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Tolstoy's sprawling novel still arouses in readers a sense of mystery and awe in the infinite possibilities of human life. Depicted are the joys, sorrows, struggles and sensual delights of the world. Many of the novel's greatest moments, such as Natasha Rostova's first grand ball, the Rostov's wolf hunt and Prince Andrew's vision of the "lofty infinite sky" on the battlefield at Austerlitz, are among the most moving and memorable scenes in all of world literature.

Of the important messages in War and Peace, one is that every human being is sacred and has great influence over his or her personal destiny. While none of us can control the large, impersonal forces of history, war and death, each of us can make positive choices in our everyday lives—choices that help create happiness for ourselves and the important people in our lives.
Published 05/31/2004

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