Tracy Farber - The protagonist, a young English professor in her tenure year at a New York City university. She is working on a project to disprove Tolstoy's famous quote that "happy families are all alike" by exploring unique forms of happiness in literature.

George - Tracy's love interest who sweeps her off her feet and challenges her theories about happiness and relationships.

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Challenging Tolstoy's Notion of Happiness
The novel takes its title from Tolstoy's famous quote in Anna Karenina: "Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way." The protagonist, Tracy Farber, questions this notion and sets out to examine if happiness can be interesting and complex in literature, challenging the idea that only unhappiness is worthy of exploration.

Romance and Relationshipsr>
At the heart of the story is Tracy's romantic relationship with George, which starts off blissfully but becomes complicated when they have differing views on marriage and family. Their relationship serves as a vehicle to explore the complexities and challenges of modern love and commitment.

Feminism and Independence
As a young, ambitious academic, Tracy grapples with balancing her career aspirations and desire for independence with the societal expectations of marriage and family. The novel touches on feminist themes and the challenges women face in reconciling personal and professional goals.

Academia and Literary Criticism
Set in the world of academia, the novel delves into the politics and dynamics of university life, as well as the role of literary criticism in shaping our understanding of human experiences like love and happiness.

In essence, Tolstoy Lied: A Love Story uses the framework of a romantic comedy to explore deeper questions about the nature of happiness, love, feminism, and the role of literature in understanding human experiences.

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Critics appreciated the novel's exploration of the dichotomy between literary ideals and real life.

Kadish's writing was noted for being witty and intelligent, with a good balance of humor and seriousness. Reviewers often highlighted her skill in crafting dialogue and her insightful observations on academic and personal life.

While the book is a love story, it deviates from traditional romantic tropes. This aspect received mixed responses, with some readers appreciating the realistic portrayal of relationships, while others found it less satisfying compared to more conventional romance narratives.

Readers often echoed the sentiments of critics, enjoying the book's blend of romance and intellectual inquiry.

Overall, "Tolstoy Lied: A Love Story" is perceived as a well-written, intelligent novel that offers a unique take on love and happiness, with a strong central character and a narrative that encourages readers to reflect on their own perceptions of happiness.

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