This historical novel provides a fascinating glimpse into the turbulent final year of Leo Tolstoy's life. Based on the diaries of various family members and associates and the great Russian's own words, and told through their different voices, it effectively and sensitively depicts the forces vying for his very soul. Tolstoy's stormy relationship with his wife, the philosophical as well as practical implications of her battle with his beloved disciple Valdimir Chertkov over the rights to his literary heritage, and the mental anguish of a man professing the virtues of poverty and chastity while living a life of great privilege become clearly manifest. Tolstoy's tragedy is that of a man whose life has been plagued by contradictions, and one can easily understand why in his last days he felt compelled to flee forever the home he had known since childhood. A compelling portrait likely to inspire further investigation into the original sources, this is very highly recommended.
- David W. Henderson, Eckerd Coll. Lib., St. Petersburg, Fla.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.