"One of the best historical novels written in the last twenty years." Gore Vidal

This copy was sent to me by the publisher who seems to really understand what Bookcrossing is all about so I am thrilled to have a chance to read and release it. Looking forward to seeing if Gore Vidal is right about it being one of the best historical novels written in the last twenty years.

Big thanks to Cannongate for trusting us to promote their material.

Knowing nothing much about Tolstoy or his life in general, let alone his final year, I found myself fascinated by the cast of characters he surrounded himself with. This work of fiction is based on the court of Count Tolstoy (Leo to his friends) and I must say that none of them seemed like great company. Simpering toadies and master manipulaters plus plotting secretaries and an overbearing wife!

I found the story struggled a little for me in the final hundred or so pages but maybe that was because not much new information was going to be revealed and the ending itself left me a little bit underwhelmed but overall the book jogged along. Extra credit given for maintaining coherent plotlines while using different narrators, perspectives and formats to move the story along.

RELEASE NOTES:

Left on the window ledge near the guards office while waiting for the severely delayed 1631 to London which I had to catch after the 1504 was cancelled. Happy New Year :)