Tolstoy Lied: A Love Story : Book Review

Rachel Kadish's novel "Tolstoy Lied" is a captivating and thought-provoking exploration of love, art, and identity. Set in both modern-day New York and 19th-century Russia, the story follows three interconnected characters - Ellie, Mina, and Vera - whose lives become entangled through their shared passion for Tolstoy's literature.

Ellie, a struggling writer, becomes enthralled by Mina, a brilliant and mysterious scholar who claims to have discovered a hidden manuscript by Tolstoy. As Ellie delves deeper into Mina's world, questions about Mina's authenticity arise, leading Ellie to also question her own place in the literary world. Kadish expertly weaves together the narratives of past and present, creating an engrossing and immersive reading experience.

One of the novel's greatest strengths is its exploration of the complexities of relationships. As Ellie gets to know Mina, she also becomes romantically involved with Mina's ex-boyfriend, Max. The tangled emotions and desires add depth and intensity to the story, exposing the fragile nature of human connections and the uncertain nature of love.

Kadish's prose is eloquent and evocative, skillfully capturing the essence of both New York City and the Russian landscape. Her descriptions are vivid and transportive, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the settings and experience the beauty and turmoil of the characters' lives. Additionally, Kadish's extensive research is evident as she seamlessly incorporates historical details and literary analysis into the narrative.

At its core, "Tolstoy Lied" wrestles with the nature of art and the significance of authenticity. Through the lens of Tolstoy's work, the novel raises important questions about originality, plagiarism, and the true meaning of art. It invites readers to consider the power of literature and its ability to shape our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

What are readers saying?

The reception of "Tolstoy Lied" on Goodreads is somewhat mixed, with readers expressing a variety of opinions about the book. Some readers praised its thought-provoking nature and the intricacy of its characters. They found the author's writing style engaging and immersive, appreciating the book's exploration of truth, art, and personal identity. These readers were captivated by the philosophical themes and felt that the author effectively conveyed the emotional depth of the characters, seamlessly blending different narratives. Overall, they considered "Tolstoy Lied" to be a unique and rewarding reading experience.

On the other hand, some readers had a more critical view of the book. They found the plot to be convoluted and confusing, making it challenging to follow. These readers felt that the character development was lacking, hindering their ability to connect with or care about the characters. They also noted instances of clichéd dialogue and an excessive use of literary references. Furthermore, they found the philosophical aspects to be pretentious and believed that the book attempted to tackle too many themes, resulting in a disjointed reading experience.

Certain reviewers mentioned that the pacing of "Tolstoy Lied" was uneven, with certain parts dragging on while others felt rushed. Additionally, the unconventional narrative structure received mixed reactions, intriguing some readers while leaving others feeling disjointed. Despite these criticisms, some readers appreciated the author's ambition and experimentation with form.

In conclusion, "Tolstoy Lied" is deemed a challenging and thought-provoking read by readers, with varying opinions on its success. While some found it to be a rewarding and unique experience, others felt it fell short of their expectations. Ultimately, whether "Tolstoy Lied" resonates with a reader will depend on their preference for philosophical musings, unconventional narratives, and complex characters.