!Last time we ended with Maria Dimitriyevna and Butler both agreeing that it was the right thing to defend Hadji Murat. They both liked him and found him honorable, caring, wise and just. We might add some slight calibrations to this point of view but essentially we've encountered a human being whose actions in the past we may object to but we are forced agree that from what we've seen so far, Maria does have a point in her assessment. !<

Let's get back to the frontline in Chechnya! Have a great read and please share your thoughts afterwards.

Previous discussion:

Chapter 20

No new chapter tomorrow, so we'll read chapter 21 on Monday December 2nd! Have a nice Sunday everyone!

hello, I am planning to read these three books now that I have finished Dostoevskys big novels. I have liked the everymans library hardcover versions of D’s works (P&V translations), but wanted to know what Tolstoy readers would recommend. Thanks.

—The death of Ivan illych doesn’t have to be hardcover since it is so short but for the other two hardcover would be much better.

!Last chapter we met Shamil for the first time. An Imam and warlord. He seems to be a man full of contradictions. We also briefly encounter Hadji’s family with a special focus on Hadji’s son.!< 

Previous discussion:

Chapter 19

!Last chapter Hadji Murat was housed together with Butler, Petrov and Maria Dimitriyevna. He and Butler get along because Hadji Murat recognises something in Butler that he understands and respects.!<

Previous discussion:

Chapter 18

!Last chapter was a description of the aftermath of a Russian attack on the same aoul that Hadji Murat had hidden out in in the first chapter. Tolstoy describes the horror of war, the dehumanizing effect it has on all parties.!<

Previous discussion:

Chapter 17

!Last chapter we followed a detachment executing the slow advance strategy. People were killed and wounded and the purpose is the slow but steady breakdown of the enemies' willingness to resist the occupation.!<

Previous discussion:

Chapter 16

I know it centers around the Napoleonic wars and Russia's involvement of it but is there any other context that you would say I have to know that would make it an easier/more enjoyable read? I'm excited to dive into it.

!Last chapter we were subjected to the intrigue and decadence at the Imperial court. How the tension between political leadership and the military leadership can lead to bad decisions and bad outcomes.!<

Previous discussion:

Chapter 15

!Last chapter contained The Viceroy Vorontsov's report to the Minister of War of the Hadji Murat case. The military wants to use Murat and his fierce warriors to defeat Shamil but are unsure if it's prudent to do so.!<

Previous discussion:

Chapter 14

!Previously Hadji Murat told his backstory to Loris-Melikov. We learn more details about the power struggles between Shamil and Hadji Murat and the essence of their conflict.!<

Previous discussion:

Chapter 13

!In the last chapter Loris-Melikov gets to know Hadji Murat’s entourage during a break when Hadji is praying. They are a disparate bunch and we get some insights into their characters and their differences.!<

Previous discussion

Chapter 12

!Previous chapter gave us some insight into Hadji Murat's backstory and his violent conversion to Muridism and how his first encounter with the Russians played a negative role in paving the way for him to side with the Murids.!<

Previous chapter:

Chapter 11

!Last chapter we learned the motives behind Hadji Murat's defection. Shamil has kidnapped his family and Hadji will trade his allegiance for their save return by the Russians and then he will help fight Shamil.!<

Previous discussion:

Chapter 10

I finished rereading Anna Karenina a week ago.

And I just know that in another year or two, I would be reading it again. The first time that I read this book was two years ago (that unabridged audiobook on spotify). There were several moments that I still remember so clearly, when I think about them I am transported back exactly to the time and place. So I decided that I had to read this book again but in print.

All of this to say, I want to share how profound an effect this book had on me. Two years ago, I cried when Levin started thinking about death and eventually suicide. I was coincidentally mulling over the same things and having those thoughts put into words felt like being struck by something I cant describe. And then two months ago, as he and Stiva were discussing his horses, woods and farming, I was again struck by the same feeling.

“Maybe it's because I enjoy what I have, and don't grieve over what I don't have,” said Levin. Holy shit. I closed the book then and there, took a deep breath and tried hard to think of anything else. For the next few days, I did not read again and felt unsettled. I dont think I could ever explain this quote's significance to me. I've been struggling with mental and emotional anguish most of my life. I've been using my unhappiness and certainty of death as a crutch. This year has been a rollercoaster of events and I knew deep within, things are changing.

I never enjoy what I have and always grieve over what I dont have. I'm trying to change that. This being said to Stiva specifically, the embodiment of materialism, just felt right. I particularly enjoy Levin and Stiva's interactions because they are so different that they always pull at each other's strings and make the other reveal or do things they normally wouldnt.

There's so much that I could talk about with this book. But I feel that this is too long already.

!Last chapter was an exposition of how the news of Hadji Murat's defection was received by the Viceroy of Caucasus and his entourage. We also got some backstory of the Vorontsovs.!<

Previous discussion:

Chapter 9

!In the last chapter Tolstoy offered up a glimpse into the family life of poor Avdeyev and how the world moves on and continues despite the horrors of a raging war. We all know this from first hand experience, with all the conflicts and war that are going on right now.!<

Previous discussion:

Chapter 8

!The last chapter showed the horrible end of Avdeyev in a hospital bed and machinations and conflict between military and political leadership in the form of a dubious report containing details of the skirmish that took Avdeyev’s life.!<

Previous discussion:

Chapter 7

!Last chapter Hadji Murat charmed Vorontsovs family both wife and stepson. Prince Vorontsov reconciled the breach of chain of command with General Meller-Zakomelsky with the help of Maria Vasilevna. Meanwhile Hadji Murat’s intuition of his own value and worth to the Russians is astute. Let’s crack on!!<

Previous discussion:

Chapter 6

!Yesterday was an eventful chapter that ended in smiles. At least on the surface Prince Vorontsky is happy with his new ally. His soldiers on the other hand aren't too happy with the fearsome warrior joining their ranks.!<

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Previous discussion:

Chapter 5

!Yesterday Hadji fled his refuge at Sado’s place and joined up with his loyal Murids in the forest. After some rest he prepares to ride to meet Prince Vorontsov. Now it’s time to return the Russian camp to see what Poltoratsky is up to.!<

General question: How are you all liking your version so far? Mine is actually quite good I’m enjoying it immensely.

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Previous discussion:

Chapter 4

"In my opinion, it is in the smile of a face that the essence of what we call beauty lies. If the smile heightens the charm of the face, then the face is a beautiful one. If the smile does not alter the face, then the face is an ordinary one. But if the smile spoils the face, then the face is an ugly one indeed."

!After yesterday’s peak into the domestic affairs of Prince Vorontsov and life at the Russian military camp, we are ready for some action.!< Chapter 4 here we go!

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Previous chapter:

Chapter 3

!Last chapter we were introduced to some Russian soldiers on guard. In the night two messengers from Hadji Murat turn up and ask to speak to Prince Vorontsov.!<

Previous chapter:

https://www.reddit.com/r/tolstoy/comments/1gphgzl/hadji_murat_book_discussion_chapter_2/

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!So far, Tolstoy is reminded of the Chechen naib Hadji Murad while observing a trampled Tartar thistle by the wayside. He starts telling the story. Chapter 1 ended by Hadji sending an associate to find Prince Vorontsov the Russian commander of the area.!<

Introduction and Chapter 1