What struck me about our first installment was that we went from party to party to party---or maybe it's more accurate to say from one social engagement to the next. Is this Peace or is this War? I wondered what it would be like to be part of a world like that. To me that sounds exhausting, especially the careful navigating and scripted backing-and-forthing our characters do---it's clear that Pierre is regarded as either a doofus, a threat, or both for not knowing how to behave. The "socializing" is a lot of maneuvering and not so much fun, at least not the way I see fun. I did like the old weirdo aunt in the corner that everyone had to greet at Anna Pavlovna's party. I also liked meeting Prince Andrei's cranktastic father.
I thought it was tricky to start this huge book and meet so many people just in the first section. I didn't know who was going to be important throughout the book, so I kept trying to remember everyone. That was tricky.
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I agree - it was a lot to delve into so abruptly. Once we can keep the Annas and Nickolays straight, I think it'll be easier.
I thought it was particulary interesting that the title of the book was ambiguous, because the words in Russian are not as clearly defined as in English (can't remember where I read that - was it in one of the articles?) What seems like a stark contrast in themes to us may have been more blurred in his mind. That led me to think that war and peace doesn't necessarily refer to military battle vs. international stability, but are going to be ideas that cross through different areas of life. For example, the lets-not-talk-about-this-openly 'war' between families - strategizing over a dying man's fortune in a sharply divided win/lose situation... And all while pretending to be great friends in society.
Or I could be reading into things a little too much.
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