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 1

We find ourselves in Austria, close to Braunau am Inn. An infantry regiment has received orders to get ready for an inspection led by the commander-in-chief, Kutuzov. Present in the vicinity is Dolokhov, who stands out conspicuously in his blue coat, a perfect complement to his eyes.

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.

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 One, Chapter 25

Anxiety and partings cast a shadow over Bald Hills. Andrei and Marya share a conversation about Lise, and Marya entrusts her brother with an icon for protection. In his study, the old prince reveals both his fears and affection in a chilly farewell to Andrei. The son admits concerns about the pregnancy, and both men contemplate futures in which they may no longer be present.

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.

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 One, Chapter 24

A disconcerting experience for Lise unfolds as the old prince expounds on politics, reminiscing about the past with disdain for the contemporary figures, especially directing his scorn towards Napoleon.

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.

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 One, Chapter 23

Andrei and Lise reach Bald Hills, sparking a flurry of embraces and kisses among the women, accompanied by noticeable discomfort on the faces of the men. Andrei engages in a conversation with his father while getting ready for dinner, outlining the war plans in the process.

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.

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.

ATTENTION: Massive French Letter Exchange included! The Maude Edition has an English translation of these pages, which is not part of the audio.

Book One, Part One, Chapter 22

This is Bald Hills, a meticulously run country estate overseen by the stern Prince Nikolai Bolkonsky, the father of Andrei and Marya. We observe Marya as she reads updates from her Moscow acquaintance, Julie Karagin, and in turn, she responds with reflections on topics such as religion and marriage.

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.

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 One, Chapter 21

A commotion ensues in the reception room over the inlaid portfolio, accompanied by heated exchanges of words. Anna Mikhailovna emerges triumphant, fully aware of her victory. Following the death of the old count, Prince Vasili is caught off guard, revealing an uncommon moment of sincerity. The subsequent day finds Anna Mikhailovna actively disseminating her own interpretation of the events.

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.

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 One, Chapter 20

Count Bezukhov undergoes the sacrament of Extreme Unction in a solemn ceremony, all the while Prince Vasili and Katiche engage in secretive activities around the count's bedside. Pierre, witnessing his dying father, is initially perplexed and then overcome with terror.

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.

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 One, Chapter 19

Anna Mikhailovna clandestinely ushers Pierre into his father's residence through the rear entrance. Pierre chooses to comply with her instructions, and we witness Prince Vasili putting on a public facade of friendliness towards Pierre, only to awkwardly sneak into the count's room later. Count Bezukhov is on the verge of receiving the final sacrament.

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.

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 One, Chapter 18

As Count Bezukhov endures a sixth stroke, deemed likely to be fatal, Prince Vasili, with his bald head and twitching cheeks, visits his cousin Katishe. Katishe confesses to the existence of a detestable document in the count's ornate portfolio. This document legitimizes Pierre and designates him as the count's ultimate heir. Whom does she hold responsible for this questionable will? The infamous and detestable woman, Anna Mikhailovna.

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.

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 One, Chapter 17

Natasha consoles her jealous and infatuated cousin, and later, they join Nikolai and Boris in a song. Seeking a dance partner, Natasha invites Pierre, revelling in the joy of pretending to be a grownup. Another person thoroughly delighted is her father, who astounds everyone by gracefully dancing the Daniel Cooper with Marya Dmitrievna.

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.