There sure is a lot going on here! It took me awhile to get the characters sorted out. Also, as in Anna Karenina, some characters get referred to with different names, so I had to work it out that Prince Andrew is also Koblonsky (this happens when they leave Russia and are out in the military field). I do find some of the political posturing and war description somewhat cumbersome, but it does provide info about the time period and Russia and the war, which interests me.

My eyebrows raised in all the descriptions of women and their place in society. Also because one of the characters (Prince Andrew?) complains that Russian women are so brainless, yet in the conversations, most of them come across as well-informed about the issues of the day, tho' they do not wish to dweel on them. Anna Pavlovna seems very savvy, especially. So maybe that's just Prince Andrew's POV, since he seems unsatisfied in his marriage to Lise (who sounds pleasant enough, tho' perhaps that's his problem with her?).

I am engaged by the whole Pierre inheritance thing, and how that changes his status and reception in society once he does inherit. I am also intrigued by the 4 young folks (2 couples). Especially Natalye (?) and her young man. A 13 year old kissing a 20 year old officer? What spunk! I'm curious to see how this pans out, especially as the two young men are off to the war.

There sure are a lot of Annas...lol.

I'm in the think of the war in Part 2 right now, so we'll see how things develop.

Anna