Page Turners

Welcome to my first read of Leo Tolstoy's War and Peace.

If you missed any of the previous chapters, please find them all linked here on the Page Turners podcast page.

Book One, Part Two, Chapter 20

Various characters endeavor to gain control over their emotions. The infantry commander grapples with the dread of dishonor. Dolokhov seeks reinstatement as an officer. Tushin retreats into his own imaginative realm. Andrei aspires to demonstrate his valor to both the world and himself.

Note: Most episodes will be published to Web-only, which means these will not be sent out by email. You can always use the RSS feed to get new episodes when they go live.

About the French and German: All French and German parts are kept and read in French and German to fully retain the "original" experience. This edition (Maude) includes translations in English on the same page, which are not part of the audio.

I’m using the Oxford World’s Classics edition (translated by Louise and Aylmer Maude, edited by Amy Mandelker).

You can also listen to this read-through on my YouTube Channel or via the Page Turners RSS feed using your favourite podcast app.

Subscribe for more updates and read along with us!

Tales from the Defrag is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Welcome to my first read of Leo Tolstoy's War and Peace.

If you missed any of the previous chapters, please find them all linked here on the Page Turners podcast page.

Book One, Part Two, Chapter 19

We discover that Tushin’s battery stands alone and unguarded while the French, as Andrei foresaw, maneuver to outflank the left flank. Among the infantry encountered earlier in Part 2 are Rostov’s Pavlograd hussars. Overcome with dread, Zherkov falters in relaying the command for the left flank to withdraw. Concurrently, the commanders engage in debate until it becomes futile—they find themselves ensnared. Rostov’s squadron confronts the enemy, resulting in Nikolai sustaining an injury. Just in the nick of time, he is rescued by sharpshooters.

Note: Most episodes will be published to Web-only, which means these will not be sent out by email. You can always use the RSS feed to get new episodes when they go live.

About the French and German: All French and German parts are kept and read in French and German to fully retain the "original" experience. This edition (Maude) includes translations in English on the same page, which are not part of the audio.

I’m using the Oxford World’s Classics edition (translated by Louise and Aylmer Maude, edited by Amy Mandelker).

You can also listen to this read-through on my YouTube Channel or via the Page Turners RSS feed using your favourite podcast app.

Subscribe for more updates and read along with us!

Tales from the Defrag is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Welcome to my first read of Leo Tolstoy's War and Peace.

If you missed any of the previous chapters, please find them all linked here on the Page Turners podcast page.

Book One, Part Two, Chapter 18

Everywhere, men are perishing and suffering injuries and fatalities. Bagration commands the regiment to regroup and move forward towards the enemy. Andrei observes the procession closely, observing the countenances on both sides with precision. Bullets whiz by, claiming more lives.

Note: Most episodes will be published to Web-only, which means these will not be sent out by email. You can always use the RSS feed to get new episodes when they go live, of course.

About the French and German: All French and German parts are kept and read in French and German to fully retain the "original" experience. This edition (Maude) includes translations in English on the same page, which are not part of the audio.

I’m using the Oxford World’s Classics edition (translated by Louise and Aylmer Maude, edited by Amy Mandelker).

You can also listen to this read-through on my YouTube Channel or via the Page Turners RSS feed using your favourite podcast app.

Subscribe for more updates and read along with us!

Tales from the Defrag is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Welcome to my first read of Leo Tolstoy's War and Peace.

If you missed any of the previous chapters, please find them all linked here on the Page Turners podcast page.

Book One, Part Two, Chapter 17

Andrei encounters Bagration and Zherkov alongside an accountant surveying the battle. They move towards Tushin's battery, noting the high morale there, although reports from across the battlefield are dire. Bagration seems to command, yet no real orders can be issued. Nevertheless, his interactions convey an uplifting serenity to all he communicates with.

Note: Most episodes will be published to Web-only, which means these will not be sent out by email. You can always use the RSS feed to get new episodes when they go live, of course.

About the French and German: All French and German parts are kept and read in French and German to fully retain the "original" experience. This edition (Maude) includes translations in English on the same page, which are not part of the audio.

I’m using the Oxford World’s Classics edition (translated by Louise and Aylmer Maude, edited by Amy Mandelker).

You can also listen to this read-through on my YouTube Channel or via the Page Turners RSS feed using your favourite podcast app.

Subscribe for more updates and read along with us!

Tales from the Defrag is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Welcome to my first read of Leo Tolstoy's War and Peace.

If you missed any of the previous chapters, please find them all linked here on the Page Turners podcast page.

Book One, Part Two, Chapter 16

Andrei contemplates the strategic arrangements for battle and contemplates potential outcomes. Meanwhile, the artillery captain, Tushin, engages in a calm and introspective discussion about the afterlife. His reflections are suddenly interrupted by the roar of a cannonball and the commencement of the battle.

Note: Most episodes will be published to Web-only, which means these will not be sent out by email. You can always use the RSS feed to get new episodes when they go live, of course.

About the French and German: All French and German parts are kept and read in French and German to fully retain the "original" experience. This edition (Maude) includes translations in English on the same page, which are not part of the audio.

I’m using the Oxford World’s Classics edition (translated by Louise and Aylmer Maude, edited by Amy Mandelker).

You can also listen to this read-through on my YouTube Channel or via the Page Turners RSS feed using your favourite podcast app.

Subscribe for more updates and read along with us!

Tales from the Defrag is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Welcome to my first read of Leo Tolstoy's War and Peace.

If you missed any of the previous chapters, please find them all linked here on the Page Turners podcast page.

Book One, Part Two, Chapter 15

Andrei persuaded Kutuzov to permit him to accompany Bagration's ill-fated regiment. Upon his arrival, he assesses the encampment, where nobody seems to be aware of the imminent French assault. There, he encounters Tushin, the artillery captain, characterized by gentle eyes but lacking footwear. And, naturally, Dolokhov is present, engaging in provocation towards the enemy.

Note: Most episodes will be published to Web-only, which means these will not be sent out by email. You can always use the RSS feed to get new episodes when they go live, of course.

About the French and German: All French and German parts are kept and read in French and German to fully retain the "original" experience. This edition (Maude) includes translations in English on the same page, which are not part of the audio.

I’m using the Oxford World’s Classics edition (translated by Louise and Aylmer Maude, edited by Amy Mandelker).

You can also listen to this read-through on my YouTube Channel or via the Page Turners RSS feed using your favourite podcast app.

Subscribe for more updates and read along with us!

Tales from the Defrag is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Welcome to my first read of Leo Tolstoy's War and Peace.

If you missed any of the previous chapters, please find them all linked here on the Page Turners podcast page.

Book One, Part Two, Chapter 14

Bagration has been tasked with a perilous mission aimed at slowing down the French progression, allowing the remainder of the army to withdraw safely. Murat, Napoleon’s trusted aide, finds himself outwitted by the composed Bagration. Recognizing the stratagem, the French emperor rebukes his general and commands the assault.

Note: Most episodes will be published to Web-only, which means these will not be sent out by email daily. You can always use the RSS feed to get new episodes when they go live, of course.

About the French and German: All French and German parts are kept and read in French and German to fully retain the "original" experience. This edition (Maude) includes translations in English on the same page, which are not part of the audio.

I’m using the Oxford World’s Classics edition (translated by Louise and Aylmer Maude, edited by Amy Mandelker).

You can also listen to this read-through on my YouTube Channel or via the Page Turners RSS feed using your favourite podcast app.

Subscribe for more updates and read along with us!

Tales from the Defrag is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Welcome to my first read of Leo Tolstoy's War and Peace.

If you missed any of the previous chapters, please find them all linked here on the Page Turners podcast page.

Book One, Part Two, Chapter 13

Andrei embarks on a journey to reunite with the army, Kutuzov, and his belongings. His thoughts are consumed by wounded pride and aspirations for glory. However, as he travels, he witnesses the deplorable condition of the army. Upon locating Kutuzov, Nesvitsky's demeanor has shifted from cheerful to somber. Kutuzov has issued orders for a battle to Bagration, anticipating significant casualties. Andrei seeks approval to join the fray.

Note: Most episodes will be published to Web-only, which means these will not be sent out by email daily. You can always use the RSS feed to get new episodes when they go live, of course.

About the French and German: All French and German parts are kept and read in French and German to fully retain the "original" experience. This edition (Maude) includes translations in English on the same page, which are not part of the audio.

I’m using the Oxford World’s Classics edition (translated by Louise and Aylmer Maude, edited by Amy Mandelker).

You can also listen to this read-through on my YouTube Channel or via the Page Turners RSS feed using your favourite podcast app.

Subscribe for more updates and read along with us!

Tales from the Defrag is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Welcome to my first read of Leo Tolstoy's War and Peace.

If you missed any of the previous chapters, please find them all linked here on the Page Turners podcast page.

Book One, Part Two, Chapter 12

Bilibin cautioned Andrei about the emperor's poor conversational skills and penchant for posing meaningless inquiries. As Bolkonsky socializes with the elite, the French deceive the Austrians and make their way across the Vienna bridge. Bilibin finds this situation amusing but briefly straightens his expression to pose a sincere question to Andrei: "What is your motive for leaving?" Andrei initially interprets this as jest, believing he can rescue the army.

Note: Most episodes will be published to Web-only, which means these will not be sent out by email daily. You can always use the RSS feed to get new episodes when they go live, of course.

About the French and German: All French and German parts are kept and read in French and German to fully retain the "original" experience. This edition (Maude) includes translations in English on the same page, which are not part of the audio.

I’m using the Oxford World’s Classics edition (translated by Louise and Aylmer Maude, edited by Amy Mandelker).

You can also listen to this read-through on my YouTube Channel or via the Page Turners RSS feed using your favourite podcast app.

Subscribe for more updates and read along with us!

Tales from the Defrag is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Welcome to my first read of Leo Tolstoy's War and Peace.

If you missed any of the previous chapters, please find them all linked here on the Page Turners podcast page.

Book One, Part Two, Chapter 11

Bilibin extends a welcoming gesture to Andrei, inviting him to join "our set," composed of "youthful, affluent, jovial, societal gentlemen" – precisely the type of individuals Andrei sought to distance himself from. It's a telling sign of undesirable company when Ippolit Kuragin holds the spotlight. Despite Bilibin's advice for Bolkonsky to ingratiate himself with the emperor, Bolkonsky, not one for diplomacy, finds himself unable to comply.

Note: Most episodes will be published to Web-only, which means these will not be sent out by email daily. You can always use the RSS feed to get new episodes when they go live, of course.

About the French and German: All French and German parts are kept and read in French and German to fully retain the "original" experience. This edition (Maude) includes translations in English on the same page, which are not part of the audio.

I’m using the Oxford World’s Classics edition (translated by Louise and Aylmer Maude, edited by Amy Mandelker).

You can also listen to this read-through on my YouTube Channel or via the Page Turners RSS feed using your favourite podcast app.

Subscribe for more updates and read along with us!

Tales from the Defrag is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.