Book Club: A Slow Read of War and Peace

Embracing the Slow Read: A year with War & Peace 

Have you ever tried a “slow read” before? I hadn’t even heard of the concept until I discovered it on Gretchen Rubin’s Happier podcast. As a lifelong book lover, I usually speed through novels, eager to check another title off my ever-growing To-Be-Read (TBR) list. But the idea of intentionally slowing down intrigued me—especially when tackling a literary giant like War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy.

What Is a Slow Read?

A slow read is exactly what it sounds like—you intentionally pace yourself, reading a chapter or two a day over an extended period. With War and Peace spanning 361 chapters, this has become a year-long literary adventure for me. Thankfully, Tolstoy’s chapters are short, making it surprisingly easy to keep up.

To stay organized and deepen my understanding, I subscribed to the Footnotes and Tangents Substack newsletter, which pairs with a weekly podcast summarizing each chapter. This resource has been invaluable for tracking the vast cast of characters and unraveling the novel’s major themes.

Why Read War and Peace Slowly?

Taking a slow approach to this classic novel has been incredibly rewarding. Here’s why:

• Deeper Comprehension: With its intricate web of characters and historical events, War and Peace can feel overwhelming. Reading at a measured pace helps me absorb the details and connect the dots more effectively.
• Appreciating Tolstoy’s Writing: Tolstoy’s vivid storytelling, philosophical insights, and nuanced portrayal of 19th-century Russian society shine when you take time to savor each passage.
• A More Enjoyable Experience: Rather than feeling pressured to finish quickly, I can immerse myself fully in the novel’s world—both the grandeur of Russian aristocracy and the brutality of war.

My First Month with War and Peace

One month in, and I’m already hooked. I’ve been introduced to four prominent Russian aristocratic families: the Bezukhovs, the Rostovs, the Bolkonskys, and the Kuragins. The story shifts between opulent drawing rooms and the harsh battlefields of Austria, weaving themes of love, ambition, and political intrigue. So far, I’ve followed characters as they navigate complex family dynamics, financial troubles, and the challenges of coming of age.

Join the Slow Read Movement

I’ll be sharing updates on my slow read journey throughout the year. If you’re inspired, it’s not too late to join me! You can find the Footnotes and Tangents Substack here, and I’m reading this translation of War and Peace.

Have you ever done a slow read before? Let me know in the comments!