Reviews

How Much Land Does a Man Need by Leo Tolstoy

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fortiora's review against another edition

reflective fast-paced

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

4.0

Liked these two short stories a lot! Are they a bit predictable regarding their morals? Yes. Was the second story a bit too religious for my tastes? Yes. But nevertheless I really enjoyed reading them.

luckywhispers's review against another edition

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reflective medium-paced

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

3.75

How Much Land Does a Man Need? - 3.0
What Men Live By - 4.0

lararosemary's review against another edition

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inspiring reflective relaxing fast-paced

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

4.0

zalindras's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

happea's review against another edition

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inspiring reflective fast-paced

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

3.25

How Much Land Does a Man Need? by Leo Tolstoy captures the essence of greed and temptation as the protagonist, Pakhom, strives for more land in an effort to achieve happiness and security. He covets all that others have, unable to be satiated with what he owns. There's a religious facet to Tolstoy's writing as

Pakhom is enticed by the Devil after him and his wife proclaim that they fear no one and bow to no authority as long as land is abundant, suggesting they are not religious. The first mention of God comes only as Pakhom nears his death, perhaps Tolstoy's method of promoting faith in a man who claims to have none.

The ending was a stark reminder of the things we truly own. Overall, the read was enjoyable like a children’s allegory, at times repetitive and predictable, but the emphasis of avarice did give a true perspective on society. ⭐️ 3.25/5

Tolstoy's What Men Live By gave a generous viewpoint of what dwells in man, or what should dwell in man, but the overly religious focus and simpleness that

love is the answer

provided a self-righteous undertone that wasn't to my taste. ⭐️ 2.75/5 (not included in final rating)