Oh my God that was such a wonderful livestream..it's been so long since I last listened to an entertaining and massively informative intellectual discussion such as is.. You both are great Carolyn and Emma I just loved how you talked about Tolstoy's book so passionately ..I think I might have voted for Dickens if I was a little early but that's just because he's my favorite writer of all time ..yet Carolyn did a really good job in convincing us all of loving Childhood, Boyhood, Youth and I'm definitely going to add it to my TBR.. PS: Emma's Dickens socks are EXQUISITE .

Exactly! Tolstoy captures the awkwardness and uncertainty of youth with a boy just trying to find his place without having the maturity and skills yet to maneuver effectively so he messes up, he embarrasses himself and his family, he hurts others without setting out to do so, he stumbles along in trying to grow up while falling flat on his face. THIS is the reality of growing up. I think Emma is wanting a more picture perfect story. Maybe she prefers fantasy, but Tolstoy gave a good depiction of reality. I enjoyed the Trilogy and laughed many times where Emma cringed because I saw the hilarity of awkward youth while she saw the vulgarity and despicableness of someone coming from high society feeling superior to others. She didn’t want to see this flaw even though it was depicted as a flaw and she wanted him completely redeemed and valiantly fighting for the cause of the poor by the end of the series but that’s not reality. Reality is as we grow and develop through many years of experiences we mature. 16 years old at the end of the series simply isn’t the place where most people reach maturity. It takes longer than that. Tolstoy was moving in that direction with the character in a very realistic pace. I think if he had finished the series, Emma would have been much more happy with the outcome and perhaps the whole series in general.

Hi!! I'm new here, already a susbcriber!! I came from emma's channel. I'm so excited about this debate. You're both so smart and although I haven' t read much of them because I found them heavy you are convincing me to try again with both. 🤗 from Argentina!!!

I love Dickens. Always been my favorite author... but Tolstoy comes in a close second along with Dostoevsky

I am not technical and do not have instagram. I have subscribed to both and was wondering how to get notified when you have your lovely debates. I am Dickens, just sayin'....

I watched this video in three parts and I loved it! Thanks so much for your hard work !

That being said Great Ex& David Cop are the greatest 1st person narratives of the 19th century

I love when I feel like I’m there! And I love the emotion Tolstoy makes you feel! Partial to Tolstoy! However, I love Dickens too! I have read more of Dickens……but Tolstoy stays with me forever!

Wow. Two of my fav booktube channels in one video. 👍♥️

Leo!

It's wonderful listening your enthusiasm about the subject keep it

I love English literature! I am just now viewing the debate. I'm not betting anything ;)

What is the best translation or who is your favorite translator of Tolstoy? And your favorite publisher?

Why did you choose to compare these two writers? I haven’t much knowledge about them but from my limited knowing, I feel like they’re just so different. How could they compare?

for Leooo

Wow, are you italian/have italian origin? Infact the fist time I saw one your videos, I thought you have italian features, and now I discover it. Ps. I'm italian

Was anyone going to tell me that the Cossacks was originally started as the continuation of "Youth: Manhood" but then redirected to be a standalone or was I just supposed to read that in the live show comments 3 months later? Because wow now I can't wait until November 2022 so I can see for myself!

Tolstoy!

What book do you suggest for someone who isn’t familiar with Tolstoy to start with?

Tolstoy but it's close

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

The subtext inW&P is the work of a genius

I am on Dickens side

I disagree with Emma. I don’t think Nikolenka was bitter at all. I think he was just a boy stumbling through youth just trying to make his way-sometimes angry, sometimes impetuous like a child, sometimes very thoughtful, other times very thoughtless, sometimes haughty, sometimes dreamy, often times dramatic, and sometimes overwhelmed with love but not bitter.

Carolyn i want a marry a women like you, get old and read book with her for the rest if my life. You're so sweet and peaceful. I'm french so sorry if there is english mistakes, love your videos 😘

I liked Nikolenka. I found his character ridiculously entertaining and endearing. I don’t think the book was written to be a moral dissertation. In fact I hate tv shows, movies and books that preach at us as though we are so stupid that we have to sit down for hundreds to pages to have a finger wagged at us and instructing us why it’s wrong to oppress the poor. If someone doesn’t know that, then before reading a novel for enjoyment, they need to read the Bible and seek instruction on right from wrong. If I pick up a book, I want to be swept away in the story not moralized to. Thank God I already know right from wrong and if there’s a moral dilemma i know where i can turn to get answers- the Bible, church, other Believers, not some fictional novel. I disagree with Emma that a book needs to be a moral pounding on our heads. That would make all authors as Karens who take the joy out of reading to just nag and preach to us on and on and on. No thanks!

I think it’s unrealistic for a boy living in a segregated environment from women to understand women. It really would not be until he went into manhood would we see more of a realistic maturing to understand women and even there we would expect to see many mishaps. Think about it. His mom dies when he is young and other than meals and play time he is with his tutor and his brother most of the time and even when he went off to college, it sounds like it was an all male school. He hasn’t had the opportunity to interact and understand women like he has with boys. This is very realistic writing.

My like is the 666