This is an important book for anyone who appreciates Tolstoy's works. Without Sophia, we might not have had War and Peace or Anna Karenina. However, Tolstoy's genius cost his wife dearly, both in her reputation and her own personal interests. She's became one of the most maligned figures in literary history. This book makes no secret of telling Tolstoy's story from Sophia's point of view. ( )

Sophia Tolstoy: A Biography
by Alexandra Popoff (2010)

Drawn on newly available archival material, including Sophia’s unpublished memoir.

An exceptional biography defining Sophia's role in Tolstoy's legacy.
Wife, mother, editor, archivist, publisher, businesswoman, intellectual...and so much more.

Maligned by Tolstoy's acolyates, we meet a remarkably passionate woman
and experience her perspective , her joy and despair in being married to
a literary genius (great and volatile).

It was an uncomplicated read and teeming with historical detail
and both an uplifting and equally tragic account of their union. ( )

Through the years and across cultures, many have tried to determine the secret of happiness. Literary giant Count Leo Tolstoy was one who thought he figured it out through a religious conversion to non-violence and poverty. Regarded as a genius, he had a strong following though it proved to be a bumpy road for him and his family. Which begs the question, does having special talents or gifts excuse the way you treat those you love? Are extraordinary suffering, nurturing, and affirmation necessary for remarkable success?

Immerse yourself in this well-written and researched biography and be astonished by Countess Sophia Tolstoy’s accomplishments in her lifetime despite overwhelming hostility, disapproval, and challenges. You will be swept away by a devoted wife and lover who spent 48 years worshipping Tolstoy. Everything she did was ultimately for him. The couple had a felicitous marriage until Tolstoy’s philosophical conversion in 1880. Although non-violence - the key to his new ideology - was accepted by Sophia, applying his uncompromising belief that owning property, living comfortably, and sexual behavior (even in marriage) were all sinful was inappropriate to their very deep love for each other and intolerable to raising a family. Read her story and weep.

Over the Tolstoys’ marriage of nearly a half century, she gave birth to thirteen children - raised them, educated them, disciplined and loved them. A strong, energetic woman of untiring faithfulness to her husband and children, she also managed the practical affairs and finances of the properties they owned, assisted in Tolstoy’s writing, copied his drafts over and over (yes, we’re talking War & Peace and Anna Karenina included), published many volumes of his works, entertained, nursed the sick of the family and village, fed the poor during the great famine, and oh… so much more. However, the most difficult burden for her was dealing with the complex nature of her husband and being criticized unfairly by him and his followers. I was shocked by how intimate they were as a couple (reading each other’s diaries), how vulnerable they became, how they unwittingly used their power to hurt to each other, and how close they both came to the edge of insanity.

Popoff's biography bears the task of setting the records straight. It's engaging and easy to read. What was the truth of the Tolstoy marriage and why are we just now finding out? Sophia’s own writings have been suppressed for years while the vicious attacks on her have permeated the literature. And now… I’m ready to read War and Peace – someday. ( )