War and Peace is a Historians view of the time around 1800-1815... its disguised as a narrative novel, however, some chapters, like almost every 20th is dedicated to going over theories ranging from maths to philosophy.
The narrative side to the novel is .... at times boring, but at the same time one has to appreciate the intracacies Tolstoy goes into. For example, he illustrates all the dynamics of the Russian aristocratic society and even follows up all the chararacters. There are alot of names to remember, and to make it worse, some characters have more than one variation to their name. However, if you get about half way through, that dosnt become a problem anymore.
The historical analysis and philosophying he does is rather good aswell. Some of it just went straight over my head (especially the bit he does on maths in the 11th book) but its really really interesting, esp. if you did a history subject in hsc (like extension history with all its historiography).
its totally worth it.. however, I would not borrow it, but rather buy it.. otherwise you might get a few fines.. (due to its size)...
anyone read Anna Karanina (I dont know how to spell it).. is it anygood?