
In the glittering salons of St. Petersburg, the aristocracy gathers under the watchful eye of a charismatic hostess, her conversations swirling between gossip, politics, and the looming threat of war. Through witty banter and subtle intrigue, the novel introduces a cast of nobles—an imperious prince, a fever‑stricken lady of the court, and their circle of friends—who embody the elegance and anxiety of a society on the brink of upheaval. Their dialogues echo the larger clash between Russia and Napoleon, hinting at the choices that will shape both personal destinies and the fate of a nation.
Beyond the glitter of balls and the clink of champagne, the story follows intertwined families as they navigate love, ambition, and the relentless march of history. Their private hopes and rivalries are set against sweeping battlefields and sweeping philosophical reflections on destiny, honor, and the human heart. Listeners will be drawn into a richly textured world where intimate moments reverberate with the echo of an empire in flux.
Language
en
Duration
~55 hours (3192K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2001-04-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1828–1910
One of the great giants of world literature, he combined sweeping storytelling with deep questions about love, family, faith, and how to live. His novels still feel vivid because they pay such close attention to ordinary human thoughts and choices.
View all books
by graf Leo Tolstoy

by graf Leo Tolstoy

by graf Leo Tolstoy

by graf Leo Tolstoy

by graf Leo Tolstoy

by graf Leo Tolstoy

by graf Leo Tolstoy

by graf Leo Tolstoy