Read Runners discussion

Post your comments and opinions on this section here :)

Reached book 2, Chapter 1. The war has started in earnest.
I always find that rather than hard core facts like wars, public events etc. I find the interaction between characters and the description of characters more interesting. I eagerly read about
(view spoiler)[
the description of Princess Mary - Andrew's sister. In these latter chapters she is described as plain. But I distinctly remember reading in the first chapter that she is a gorgeous creature and they all admire her. Moreover, there are talks going on about getting her married to Prince Vasily's wayward son.
I came to know it was the same damsel as the marriage proposal was further hinted at
I also did not like the interaction between the old Prince (Mary's father) and Mary. He seems rigid and awe inspiring.
More is touched upon Andrew and Lise's relationship. When Andrew comes home to meet his father and sister, he hints to Mary that he doesn't feel anything for his wife and their marriage is not making either happy.
The young pregnant princess is still as silly as ever.
And I am beginning to get irritated by constant mentioning of the "pregnant" princess and her " downy upper lip". Her pregnancy and downiness of her upper lips is being constantly hammered at us every time we meet her in the book. (hide spoiler)]

P. S - sorry I didn't split it into chapters. I think I have covered 4-5 chapters here. This is because I am at work and I don't have my kindle with me for quick reference.

I am at work and have limited access to the Internet. I read a 'll the way to book 2 chapter 6. I will post my responses tonight, unless I am too tired then you will have to wait for tomorrow night. :)

I find this section of the book, very slow moving. I'm thinking it's because of the war part of the book. I can't stand reading about wars like this. So, it was slow like molasses. I liked the first book way better, with all the character build ups. I found it funny in how the old man was talking to Prince Andrew about the French.

We were able to see more about the marriage too. For sure it's about women being proper. I did make some notes but I'm not feeling about writing them all about because this section was just so slow moving for me. I think it's because I am use to Song of Fire and Ice wars, lol. Once you go Game of Thrones, you never go back. :P

Also, I think the geek in was really showing. Every time the word saber was read, I'd think of Star wars lightsabers.

Yes, I too was a tad bored with description of soldiers at war and all their strategies.
Am into chapter 5 of book 2. Hopefully it will improve.

No, it doesn't get better. Well, at least to chapter 6 of books two. The one thing I did find interesting is the letter that Tolstoy write was actually from a real military letter in the war.

Yes, the foot notes suggest that he extensively researched for this book and even had opportunities to correct mistakes committed by bona fide historians.

Yeah, that was very interesting to read about. My goodness, I hope the next section is more exciting to read. No more war!!!! It's mind numbing boring...

Hope its Peace in the next book :P

I hope we get more into Natasha.

Yes, anyone will do, as long as their personalities are described and not the war arrangements.

Agreed.

I was thinking of reading Dead Souls by Nikolai Gogol but it's a Russian book and I'm thinking if I start reading it will get confused with War and Peace. Do I want to do that to myself?

Finished. This part was a bit boring towards the latter half. All about war and strategies, various generals and soliders - all their names ending with "ski"
Phew...

I totally know what you mean. I couldn't stand this part of the book and hope it isn't this painful for the next part. I have been putting off reading it. Now I guess I will have to. :(

Me too - was sort of dilly dallying with the book and finding too many excuses not to read. Am planning to make great inroads into week 3 of reading today itself so that I can stay with the pace.

Coffee Bean wrote: "Reached book 2, Chapter 1. The war has started in earnest.
I always find that rather than hard core facts like wars, public events etc. I find the interaction between characters and the description..."

ditto, even now.