ŷ������

Written in 1886 by Tolstoy, the novella begins at the funeral of Ivan Ilyich. His wife is trying to find out if she is entitled to even more money, and his co-workers are already relishing in their promotional opportunities now that his spot is open. The book covers the backstory of Ivan’s life: his marriage and professional life and his relationship with his children. It covers Ivan’s illness and his thoughts on his life.

This book was particularly interesting for me, because I was dying this last year and reflected on my life. After two heart surgeries, I am doing much better. However, it was interesting to compare notes with Ilyich. For me, the only portion of my life that I deeply regretted was working for jerks. Please note that my current employer is not a jerk. Giving years of my life to a place that didn’t value me was not where I should have spent years of my life.

Ivan Ilyich has the realization that many of the things that he experienced in life were not unique to him even though he thought that he was so unique at the time. He spends most of his time not investing in relationship. He spends time reading books that other people talk about. Why doesn’t he read books that he wants to read? There were deaths of other people mentioned in the book, but Ivan is completely flat, emotionless, when he mentions these deaths. Yet when contemplating his own death, he considers himself unique, special.

There was a great metaphor in this novella that I loved. Overall, a great read and well worth the two hours invested to read it. Plus, as an Audible member, I received the audiobook for free. Who doesn’t love free books?

This is one of

2024 Reading Schedule
Jan Middlemarch
Feb The Grapes of Wrath
Mar Oliver Twist
Apr Madame Bovary
May A Clockwork Orange
Jun Possession
Jul The Folk of the Faraway Tree Collection
Aug Crime and Punishment
Sep Heart of Darkness
Oct Moby-Dick
Nov Far From the Madding Crowd
Dec A Tale of Two Cities

Connect With Me!