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Rating: 
Summary: Intense stuff
Review: I turn to some of these stories repeatedly. Tolstoy gives searching portraits of obsessed souls in stories such as "The Devil" (an unforgettable account of lust), "Father Sergius," and "The Kreutzer Sonata." Here is a more "Dostoevskian" Tolstoy than we see in War and Peace. Providing balance in the collection are masterpieces such as "Hadji Murad." Don't overlook this book; it is a convenient compilation of some of the finest literary works of Russia's 19th century. I bought a second copy because my first one wore out.
Rating:
Summary: Intense stuff
Review: I turn to some of these stories repeatedly. Tolstoy gives searching portraits of obsessed souls in stories such as "The Devil" (an unforgettable account of lust), "Father Sergius," and "The Kreutzer Sonata." Here is a more "Dostoevskian" Tolstoy than we see in War and Peace. Providing balance in the collection are masterpieces such as "Hadji Murad." Don't overlook this book; it is a convenient compilation of some of the finest literary works of Russia's 19th century. I bought a second copy because my first one wore out.
Rating:
Summary: An invaluable collection
Review: This paperback gathers many of Lev Tolstoy's most masterfully crafted short works. The Death of Ivan Ilych, Hadji Murad, The Cossacks, The Kreutzer Sonata ... they are all here. While it is impossible to give an adequate review of each of the stories in this collection, I will say that Tolstoy's short stories are a joy to read. His style is vivid, clear, and engaging, and his themes are interesting and profound. Tolstoy tackles the issues of death, war, religion, sex, and others. While I do not agree with many of his views, the beauty and subtlety with which he expresses them is tremendous.On a more technical note, the translation is more than adequate. While reading Tolstoy in Russian is best, this translation is seamless and does not interfere with the reading. I would enthusiastically recommend this collection to anyone who is intrigued by this influential and quirky author.
Rating:
Summary: Perfect for exposure to Russian literature
Review: Tolstoy is probably the most well known of all the Russian novelists, but most people aren't up for War and Peace or Anna Karenina. His short stories, however, are very intense, very meaningful, very different, and enlightening. Many of the protagonists hold a darkness characteristic of Russian literature, and his stories are surprisingly exciting. Tolstoy's writing is beautiful. There are so many aspects of his writing to appreciate. His classic "The Kreutzer Sonata" is included here. Whether you are an avid reader of Russian authors, or you simply want to expose yourself to Tolstoy, his short stories are essential.
Rating:
Summary: Perfect for exposure to Russian literature
Review: Tolstoy is probably the most well known of all the Russian novelists, but most people aren't up for War and Peace or Anna Karenina. His short stories, however, are very intense, very meaningful, very different, and enlightening. Many of the protagonists hold a darkness characteristic of Russian literature, and his stories are surprisingly exciting. Tolstoy's writing is beautiful. There are so many aspects of his writing to appreciate. His classic "The Kreutzer Sonata" is included here. Whether you are an avid reader of Russian authors, or you simply want to expose yourself to Tolstoy, his short stories are essential.
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