Wednesday, February 13, 2008

War and Peace

That's not just a catchy title, I really am talking about the book. I read it ten years ago, so I've always been among that special group of people who have read the masterpiece. What's more, I am one who has been able to honestly say I love the book. The only trouble . . . it's loads of work -- superbly well rewarded loads of work. I had to keep notes on who all the charactars were, the different names they went by, how they were connected to anyone else for the first 300-400 pages.

I began reading it again last week, about 200 pages in, I chanced upon a "review" of War and Peace online wherein it stated something about the book being 1200 pages or so (depending upon your translation). Well, that sounded a bit much to me, so I took a closer look at my copy. I had never actually looked at the title page, and to my horror, as you may see here, it clearly is an "abridged translation". I can hardly hold my head up for the shame of it all. I was not among those who had read the book at all. Oh no, I'd read a measly 700 page abridged version. It has since been tossed aside while I await the arrival of my new full translation. Apparently I will have to wade through 500 or so more pages to once again have the full reward.

3 comments:

Perla said...

HAHAHA! Abridged! I am so excited about you doing this blog. Maybe I will start one sometime soon. Who knows. Maybe. It's pretty fun. Anywho...yeah...its good to have read a few books that you have to take notes on to remember who is who. I had to do that with "Or I'll Dress You In Mourning."

Gracie J said...

Nonetheless, even 700 pages is QUITE impressive. Good luck with "the real" version. I don't think I'm brave enough to attempt such a read.

Mugsy said...

Nancy,
I love the way you write. Your stories make me laugh and cry at the same time. I don't know how you do it. You are very talented to say the least. Love your guts!

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