Reminiscences of Tolstoy, by His Son

Through the eyes of a six‑year‑old, this memoir opens a quiet, bustling world inside the great writer’s country estate. The narrator sketches each sibling—fair‑haired Sergei with his gentle melancholy, tempestuous Ilya, tender little Tanya, and the enigmatic baby Mary—creating a lively family tapestry. At the centre stands a mother who runs the house with firm affection, while the father, a towering literary figure, looms both mysterious and approachable.

The everyday rhythms of meals, walks, and playful mischief are rendered with humor and a child's sincerity, from secret poems recited at the table to impromptu cardboard‑box projects. Listeners hear the blend of discipline and delight that shaped a generation growing under the shadow of a literary giant. The early years unfold with warmth, offering a rare glimpse of domestic life behind famed works, inviting you to share in the simple joys and subtle tensions of a remarkable household.