I am totally behind in writing down my thoughts, even though I am now 3/4ths through the novel. So, this section...

Revisiting the earlier portions whilst I am so much further along reminds me just how much has happened since I first embarked upon this reading and how my allegiances and sympathies have changed or remained steadfast. The whole story about Prince Andrew being lost and presumed dead, returning, and then losing his wife Lise in childbirth, which forces him into deep self-reflection allowed for my empathy to shift almost full-borne to him. And I thought he was such an uptight snob at the start! I also found Pierre's downward spiral and then plunge into Masonry an interesting twist. Natasha's evolution into an attractive you woman--coquettish and confident--was delightful. She's over her crush with Boris and got her first marraige offer from Denisov of all people. It was good that was denied, tho' poor Denisov. Nicholas' development as a young officer is interesting to follow, paralleling Andrew's as an older, more seasoned, and diplomatic path. Also, Boris' intent to go down that path. As I've side before, I enjoy the stuff off the battefield more, when they are back in Russia. So much drama, bordering on soap opera, saved by the sober prose.

What do folks think about how Pierre and Andrew have bonded over the tenets of Masonry (tho' Andrew is far from joining and Pierre, I feel, is still on this side of silly in his ideals at this point)?