War and Peace Upper and lower

Author: Leo Tolstoy
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-01-01
Features: In 1805, just before the Russo-French War, the upper class of Russia was still enjoying its carefree life. The heroine Natasha is a noblewoman, young, beautiful, lively, and skilled in singing and dancing. Her brother Nikolai is a handsome dragoon officer. Natasha's family's friend Pierre is also a nobleman who has just returned from studying in France. He has no plans for the future and often frequents social gatherings and spends his time gambling. Soon, he catches the attention of a duke and is arranged to marry the duke's daughter, Helen. But this is not a successful marriage. Pierre's close friend Prince Andrei is an officer under Kutuzov. He comes to Natasha's home on official business one time and falls deeply in love with Natasha at first sight. His parents approve of the marriage, but Andrei's father strongly opposes it, insisting that he wait a year before considering it. During the year of waiting, Natasha meets Anatoli, the brother of Helen, and falls prey to his charms. She plans to run away with him and writes to Andrei to break off the engagement. Although the attempt to run away fails, it is a heavy blow to Andrei. In the Russo-French War, both sides suffer heavy casualties. Andrei is severely injured in the famous Battle of Borodino and dies soon after. Pierre's wife, Helen, also dies in St. Petersburg. In the winter of 1812, Napoleon retreated from Moscow. At this time, Moscow is in ruins, but for Natasha and Pierre, it marks the beginning of a new life.