So, as you probably guessed that Andrew and Natasha's wedlock does not happen. Natasha is able to nurse the wounded Andrew on a journey out of Moscow and he forgives her for her escapade with Anatole Kaguine but dies in her arms, of course. Peter Bezukov goes through a period of depression, at one time consumed by a plan to personally shoot Napoleon, but rediscovers his good nature while surviving as a prisoner of the French on their retreat from Moscow.
Kutuzov, the old Marshall, after Borodino, manages to avoid another battlefield confrontation with the French as he believes that the invading army will waste itself without the need for another battle. The Tsar too is urged to depend on smaller skirmishes to finally remove the invaders. Nicolas leaves his regiment on the death of his father in order to restore order to the family's affairs by developing his lands in a profitable way with Maria and her fortune beside him.
Peter marries Natasha and scenes of domestic family life return to the story. The final section of the book, the Epilogue, sees Tolstoy put forward his view that individuals cannot manage chaotic events which change history (change established cultural patterns?). Such events are the product of numerous forces at work in people's lives.
He points out that Napleon actually ran away twice from events going against him, viz. Egypt and Russia. Forsaking his soldiers, he took off back to Paris on both occasions. How can such a man be admired?
My copy of the book does not mention a translator or translating team. It must have been a challenge for those involved. Tolstoy wrote mainly in Russian but also used French just as the aristocracy did particularly in St Petersburg society. There is irony in the fact that the admired culture of the French came close to occupying Moscow as hated enemies.
Ten out of ten, a great read as I said of Volume II, but I did skip most of the Epilogue this time through.
End of 'War and Peace'
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