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njesenicka26's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
slow-paced
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Injury/Injury detail, and War
the_comfy_cosy_corner's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
sofi_b's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
darwin8u's review
4.0
“A man is never such an egotist as at moments of spiritual ecstasy. At such times it seems to him that there is nothing on earth more splendid and interesting than himself.”
― Leo Tolstoy, The Cossacks
This is one Tolstoy that is easily overlooked, but shouldn't be missed. It combines Tolstoy's philosophy with his religious moralizing with his love of the land and the simplicity of nature and those close to it. The novel explores the nature of happiness, the purpose of life, and Tolstoy's particular interest in rural life vs the more urbane Moscow/Saint Petersburg society.
This minor masterpiece is full of Tolstoy's fascination with the Cossacks (both men and women) and the Chechen braves (abreks), his love of the mountains, rivers, and flora and fauna of the Caucuses. There is part of 'The Cossacks' that reminded me of an early Hemingway novel: a war, women, real men, horses and lots of food and drink. If you've read 'War & Peace' and 'Anna Karenina' and are looking for another good Tolstoy, this is a solid piece (it happened to be Turgenev's favorite Tolstoy novel).
― Leo Tolstoy, The Cossacks
This is one Tolstoy that is easily overlooked, but shouldn't be missed. It combines Tolstoy's philosophy with his religious moralizing with his love of the land and the simplicity of nature and those close to it. The novel explores the nature of happiness, the purpose of life, and Tolstoy's particular interest in rural life vs the more urbane Moscow/Saint Petersburg society.
This minor masterpiece is full of Tolstoy's fascination with the Cossacks (both men and women) and the Chechen braves (abreks), his love of the mountains, rivers, and flora and fauna of the Caucuses. There is part of 'The Cossacks' that reminded me of an early Hemingway novel: a war, women, real men, horses and lots of food and drink. If you've read 'War & Peace' and 'Anna Karenina' and are looking for another good Tolstoy, this is a solid piece (it happened to be Turgenev's favorite Tolstoy novel).
askannakarenina's review
4.0
Really cool love triangle that considers the way that cultures clash when feelings get involved.
On second read: moves slower than I remember, but still good story.
On second read: moves slower than I remember, but still good story.
wynkyn's review
5.0
Enchanting and slim early novel. Levin's unease with 'civilised' life and romanticisation of the peasants is prefigured in this story of a Russian aristocrat who falls in love with life (and a girl) in a Cossack village
annabend's review
4.0
Although I had a terrible edition (the translation by Louise & Aylmer Maude seemed jarred and unnatural) I enjoyed traveling into the Caucus with Dmirtiy Olenin. The Cossacks stood out for me as a story about bravery, hubris, and unrequited love. The characters are complex, igniting both the reader's admiration, vexation and a sense of brotherhood / sisterhood. I loved the portrayal of the women and their dealing with their own men or with foreign men. There is so much to unravel about this one that although it is short, it is still engaging.
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