Lev Nikolajevitsj Tolstoj Boeken

Een vrouw verlaat haar gezin en gaat in vrije liefde met haar minnaar leven, doch blijkt uiteindelijk niet tegen de spanningen van dit onzekere bestaan opgewassen. "Anna Karenina". 1873-'76

Autobiografisch relaas van de Russische schrijver (1828-1910) van zijn bekering tot de eenvoud en levensaanvaarding van de Russische boer.

Verhalen uit de wereldliteratuur over levensbeschouwelijke thema's.

Written over a period of more than half a century, Leo Tolstoy’s stories reflect every aspect of his art and personality. They cover his experiences as a soldier in the Caucasus, his married life, his passionate interest in the peasantry, his cult of truth and simplicity, and his growing preoccupation with religion. The stories in Volume 1 of the Collected Shorter Fiction date from the period in which the young Tolstoy wrote Anna Karenina and War and Peace. Ranging from brief, masterfully sketches of military life such as “The Wood-Felling” to novellas like Family Happiness, an uneasy imagining of the idyllic possibilities of marriage by the not-yet-married writer, all feature Tolstoy’s characteristically lavish deployment of detail, shrewd observation, and imaginative power.

The novel intricately weaves the lives of five families against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars, exploring the profound impact of conflict on personal and societal levels. Tolstoy presents a vast array of characters, including historical figures, while delving into themes of love, loss, and resilience. In the epilogues, he offers a reflective philosophy on history, challenging the notion of the Great Man Theory and emphasizing the significance of small events in shaping the past. Celebrated for its depth and scope, this epic work remains a pivotal piece of world literature.

The narrative follows Efim and Elisha, two elderly men determined to embark on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem before their lives end. After extensive preparation, they set off on their journey but soon encounter a seemingly abandoned village. Their exploration leads them to a dark hut, where they uncover unexpected truths about life and humanity. The story delves into themes of faith, companionship, and the quest for meaning, highlighting the transformative experiences that arise from their pilgrimage.

Exploring themes of faith and morality, this collection features religious tales and parables by Leo Tolstoy, a literary giant known for his profound insights. Among the stories is "Walk in the Light While Ye Have Light," which narrates Pamphylius's conversion from paganism to Christianity. Other notable tales include "God Sees the Truth, but Waits" and "What Men Live By." This anthology showcases Tolstoy's ability to blend spiritual awakening with rich storytelling, solidifying his status as a master of both fiction and moral philosophy.

Focusing on the transition from adolescence to adulthood, the novel explores Nikolenka's experiences as he navigates friendship, love, and personal growth while preparing for university. Through his relationship with Dmitri and the emotional challenges he faces, readers witness his awakening to complex feelings and moral revelations. This semi-autobiographical work captures the essence of youth, nostalgia, and the bittersweet nature of memories, showcasing Tolstoy's emerging literary prowess and philosophical depth that would characterize his later masterpieces.