Kadish, Rachel: * 1969

Tolstoy Lied, 2006 - Information about the Book

General Information | Facts | Author | Commentary | Reviews | Explanations

General Information
- Tolstoy's "Anna Karenina" begins with 'Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.' Why, Rachel Kadish wonders, do we fall for this notion that only unhappiness is interesting ... that if you are not tragic you have become boring, undifferentiated? Why, she wonders, is it so hard for us to acknowledge that happiness can be deeply challenging, anything but dull?
- Rachel Kadish’s inspiration for writing “Tolstoy Lied.”
  
  Rachel Kadish was inspired to write "Tolstoy Lied: A Love Story" as a response to the emotional and creative challenges she faced after the September 11, 2001 attacks. At the time, she found herself unable to work on darker topics, such as a nonfiction project about Holocaust restitution, and instead sought a restorative outlet through humor and lightness.
  Revisiting a character she had created years earlier, Kadish advanced Tracy’s life into that of a single, tenure-track professor in Manhattan.
  Developed by AI
Facts
- Full title: "Tolstoy Lied: A Love Story"
- Awards: The novel has not won any major literary awards.
- Topics
  
  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.
  Developed by AI
- General Perception
  
  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.
  
  Developed by AI
- Reader Rating:
Author
- Rachel Kadish answers questions about the novel. Host: Hans Fischer. SwissEduc; July 10, 2008, Brewster, MA
Commentary
- Rachel Kadish’s Tolstoy Lied is a modern, thought-provoking exploration of love, ambition, and the pursuit of happiness, set against the backdrop of academic life. The novel follows Tracy Farber, a sharp, skeptical English professor who rejects the traditional narratives of romance—particularly Tolstoy’s claim that happy endings are unrealistic in literature or life.
  Kadish’s intellectual independence and feminist ideals come into conflict with her growing attraction to George, a charming man who seems to offer the kind of relationship she’s sworn off. The novel skillfully intertwines Tracy’s personal journey with her academic work, as she grapples with questions about authenticity, compromise, and whether intellectual ideals can coexist with emotional vulnerability.
  
  Kadish’s witty prose and deeply relatable protagonist make Tolstoy Lied both entertaining and intellectually engaging. The book critiques the dichotomy between cynicism and sentimentality, showing that happiness, far from being a narrative flaw, is a complex, courageous choice. Ultimately, the novel challenges readers to reconsider the stories they tell themselves about love, success, and what it means to live authentically.
  
  Kadish’s work is a refreshing reminder that literary depth and emotional satisfaction are not mutually exclusive, offering a modern counterpoint to Tolstoy’s famously dour worldview.
  Developed by AI
Reviews
- Kirkus Reviews. "Kadish brings a sprightly intelligence to bear on this familiar scenario, lending it fresh charm as well as some shrewd emotional insights, although not much suspense." September 01, 2006
Explanations
- War cry against literary angst. "Kadish's insistence that happiness deserves serious consideration makes a nice change from the bleakness and suffering that's the default mode of many literary heavyweights." The Christian Science Monitor; September 26, 2006
- Every happy relationship is different. ""Tolstoy Lied" suffers from almost none of the pitfalls that define the Hollywood version of romantic comedies." San Francisco Chronicle; September 3, 2006
- Happy Is as Happy Does. "The book as a whole confirms that Kadish is a young writer of developing talents, capable of fresh humor, keen insights and passages of lyrical beauty." The Jewish Daily Forward; September 01, 2006
- A young professor looks for happiness in literature -- but finds real love instead.. "Kadish's professors, with one or two exceptions, seldom act like real people who happen to teach literature." The Washington Post; September 9, 2006