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 10

Andrei lodges with his companion, the diplomat Bilibin, a man distinguished by eloquence and numerous wrinkles. Bilibin elucidates to Andrei why his purported triumph spells the direst tidings for the Austrians. He informs Andrei that Napoleon's capture of Vienna signifies the premature conclusion of the war, rendering their supposed victory inconsequential.

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 9

Following the Austrian defeat, the Russian military retreats across the Danube, engaging in rear-guard skirmishes against a more powerful French army. Despite the odds, they achieve a minor triumph, resulting in the demise of an Austrian general. Andrei delivers this news to the Austrian Court in Brünn, only to be met with courteous apathy.

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 8

Nikolai Rostov experiences his inaugural taste of combat, which promptly dispels his idealized notions of battle. Denisov remarks, "It's brutal business," as two soldiers succumb. In the meantime, Zherkov and Nesvitsky, positioned beyond the line of fire, anticipate their advancements in rank.

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 7

We accompany Nesvitsky as he descends to the bridge, observing the stream of soldiers crossing over the river below. Once more, we're reminded of the daunting reality for women in such circumstances. Additionally, we gain insight into the dynamics between the cavalry and infantry as the charismatic Denisov re-enters the narrative.

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 6

Prince Nesvitsky and several other officers stand atop a hill, overseeing the procession of troops crossing the bridge over the River Enns below. With the French forces advancing, the entire army retreats towards Vienna. Meanwhile, the officers leisurely enjoy pies, appreciate the scenery, and engage in jests about war atrocities. As the initial shots ring out, they ironically miss their mark, setting the stage for the unfolding narrative.

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 5

Things have taken a turn for the worse for Nikolai Rostov. He voiced his grievances about Telyamin to their commander, only to have the colonel brush off the complaint in order to safeguard the reputation of the Pavlograd hussars. Frustrated, Nikolai contemplates challenging the colonel to a duel, but the staff-captain dissuades him from such rash actions. It's a troubling situation. However, amidst the chaos, Zherkov arrives with news: "We're going into action."

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 4

Our narrative shifts to the Pavlograd hussars, a light cavalry regiment stationed close to the primary army at Braunau. Introducing a fresh focal point: Nikolai's commanding officer, the flushed-faced Denisov, distinguished by his lively eyes and charming speech impediment. In an unfortunate turn, Lieutenant Telyanin pilfers Denisov's wallet, prompting Rostov to intervene, albeit clumsily.

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.

Fresh snow had fallen overnight and blanketed everything with a thick, muted layer of white, so much so that the cars looked like little mounds. It was the first snow of the year, the town had come to a standstill, and there was no way I would miss out on flying downhill all day. I quickly put on my berry red wool coat, jumped into my boots, pulled my hat over the curly mess of hair, grabbed my mittens, and hurried down to the basement to get my trusted sledge.

“Where you off to, young lady?”

“Sledging, Mum. Down to the pond.”

“Not too long, Dee. Back for lunch, you hear?”

“Yaaa, Mum.”

“And be careful!”

I was already out the door, racing down the street, holding fast to the steering handles. Few people were out. It was too early for Sunday shoppers, and those heading for church, wading through knee-deep snow, were waving at me, cheering me on as I sped by. The sky was blue, the sun was kissing my cold cheeks, and the air was crisp and laden with the promise of more snow.

Timmy said to meet at the pond. He had mentioned a surprise. I knew it was his Labrador puppy, but I played along. It was the best gift, unless you’re allergic, like me. Didn’t matter. A bit of itching was a price I’d happily pay.

There was a commotion at the pond. Stopping, I stepped off the sledge, pulling it behind me with the satisfying crunch of soft snow under my feet. The pond was at the heart of the village, and when it was frozen over, as was the case now, you would see kids ice skating and Emil sitting under the bridge like a troll – we call him Fish because he was always fishing, never catching anything.

Today, there was no Fish, no one was skating, and the rowboat, usually tied to the bank next to the weathered wooden bridge, was stuck fast in the middle. On it, a puppy, yapping away, gnawing at the rigid leash trapped in the ice.

I felt the urge to run, but my knees were shaking, my tummy was in knots, and my heart was racing. Why is no one helping the puppy? Scanning for the pet owner, I could spot no one among the sparse crowd of onlookers who would fit the bill.

“Elodie,” a voice called with a hushed cry.

It was Annabel. She was with Louise and Cedric, their skating boots scattered on the ground. Their hands and heads, jerking, pointing at something, their eyes wide, their mouths open, lips trembling in silence, as if to say: We dare not speak; we have no words.

Smashed onto the dark patch of black ice under the bridge, shards of broken icicles drew my gaze, luring me along a cracked ridge in the ice. My eyes fell on the leash underneath leading up to the boat, and at the end, a pale, faded hand.

A Surprise Ending?

This week’s flash fiction (500 words) is something I wrote some time ago and considered submitting to magazines. Then again, why not publish it here?

It’s a quick read. I hope you like it. There’s a larger story to be told, which we’ll keep for another time.

Did the ending surprise you? The title Black Ice gave it away?

Also, Black ICE is a term William Gibson used in Neuromancer, a coincidence, as is the Mute Winter subtitle. Completely coincidental.

Black Ice was a seed for a larger story, a series of stories with Elodie as main character, one might call it her Origin Story.

If the dark side is what you seek, you may like Mother Insists, a mini-series about facing your demons.

Audio Added

If you prefer the silly banter of The Green Bunch, they now come with newly recorded audio, live from your local supermarket. Very green bunchy audio, it’s quite bananas, but see, I mean, hear for yourself.

TFTD Community

Thank you for reading, and to all new subscribers, welcome and thank you for joining! Please leave a comment and say Hi in the chat or on Discord, or drop me a line via email. I am always happy to hear from you.

If you like this content, feel free to click the ❤️ button on this post so that more people can discover it on Substack. 🙏

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 3

Kutuzov and the Austrian general engage in a subtle game of saying one thing while meaning another, escalating their verbal maneuvers. However, their exchange takes a somber turn when General Mack arrives, revealing his disastrous surrender to Napoleon. The prospect of battle looms, and Andrei expresses optimism. Yet, as Zherkov mocks an Austrian general, Andrei advises his companion Nesvitsky to choose more reputable company.

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 2

Kutuzov examines the regiment, showcasing the condition of their boots to an Austrian general clad entirely in white. The soldiers, fatigued, hungry, and disoriented, are uncertain about their location and purpose. In contrast, Dolokhov is resolute in his actions, pledging to refrain from drinking and gambling until he is restored to his position as an officer.

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: All French parts are kept and read in French to fully retain the "original" experience. This edition (Maude) includes translations in English on the same page along with the French, 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.