War and Peace (1869) by the Russian author Leo Tolstoy chronicles the French invasion of Russia and the impact of the Napoleonic era on Tsarist society through the stories of five Russian aristocratic families−the Bezukhovs, the Bolkonskys, the Rostovs, the Kuragins, and the Drubetskoys. Andrey Bolkonsky injured and presumed dead in the Battle of Austerlitz arrives home to his wife, Lise, who dies during childbirth. Pierre Bezukhov marries Helene Kuragina who is unfaithful to him, resulting in their separation, further causing him to join the Freemasons that influences his personal and professional fortunes. Nikolay Bolkonsky has racked up a large amount of gambling debt, which causes the Rostov family to lose most of their fortune. He is encouraged to marry a wealthy heiress, despite promising to marry Sonya, his cousin. Andrey soon becomes involved with Natasha Rostov but discovers that Natasha has been unfaithful. He rejects her, and Pierre consoles her, eventually falling in love with her. The lives of these characters become even more complex as the story progresses. Entangled in the web of personal relationships in the backdrop of political upheaval, these characters struggle, learn and make their way in life. This world-renowned classic is a masterpiece that will take you on an emotional adventure located in an important chapter of Russian history.
