Reviews

Chadži-Murat by Leo Tolstoy

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imbrenda's review against another edition

5.0

I can't believe this hasn't been adapted for a movie or a miniseries, ever. Easily one of the best personal stories of the personal cost of imperial overreach. All the wonder you expect from Tolstoy but in a package 1/10 the size.

andromedace's review against another edition

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challenging dark reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

rachelhelps's review against another edition

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3.0

Tolstoy's last "novel" is an epic in under 200 pages. While initially I thought Tolstoy's previous moral absolutes were not present in Hadji Murat, I am currently doubting this idea. There is definitely the same indictment of superficiality and interactions that take place for egocentric reasons.

sarahalfa's review against another edition

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5.0

it has been a while since i read a book that has impacted me deeply, or that i have completely enjoyed. hadji murat emerged as a hero and died as one. his strength lies within his mannerisms and his character; his loyalty; his strength in battle. this commentary on the nature of the state of war and political relations, especially between two very opposing cultures, is done so perfectly.

my only wish would be that this was longer like tolstoy’s other work. but perhaps it is this wanting of more that solidifies this piece further as completely wonderful.

juliaehill's review against another edition

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3.0

I love Tolstoy, and I love reading about the Caucasus, but this one didn't grip me like Tolstoy's other work. There were some epic descriptive passages and political intrigue that stretched from the Hermitage to Chechnya, but the story had a few too many characters for the novella format and got bogged down in a few too many side stories.