A Confession
Tags
Summary
Editor's review
As an editor, I believe the book's value lies in its intellectual penetration: Tolstoy does more than describe personal bewilderment; he touches on the existential anxiety that modern people universally face. His exploration of the fundamental question 'Why do we live?' still resonates powerfully today. The courage of his self-criticism is striking, and his readiness to overturn his own achievements and confront the essence of life is exceedingly rare in literary history.
In terms of reading experience, the book's language is direct and forceful, and its density of thought is extremely high. Though short, every chapter contains concentrated philosophical reflection. I recommend readers slow their pace and situate the text within Tolstoy's biography and the social context of nineteenth-century Russia. This work is not only one man's spiritual record but also a mirror held up to the universal human predicament.
Who it's for
A good fit for
- Readers interested in existentialist philosophy and questions of the meaning of life
- Researchers seeking to understand the pivotal period of Tolstoy's intellectual transformation
- Seekers experiencing spiritual confusion and looking for intellectual resonance
- Lovers of literature who enjoy deeply introspective autobiographical writing and intellectual analysis
Not a good fit for
- Readers expecting novelistic narrative and a complete plot
- Those who prefer light reading and avoid heavy philosophical topics
Reading tips
- Begin with a biography or chronology of Tolstoy to understand the changes in his life around age fifty
- Take notes on passages that resonate, to aid later reflection and discussion
- After reading, compare with works such as Anna Karenina to observe the evolution of the author's thought
About the publisher
Zhejiang Literature and Art Publishing House is a Chinese publisher specializing in literary publishing. Judging from the 808 titles in the database, its publishing areas cover world classics, foreign literature, social novels, folk literature and classic works, as well as modern and contemporary literature and prose. Representative titles include foreign literary translations such as Anna Karenina, The Temple of the Golden Pavilion, In Praise of Shadows and The Complete Tragedies and Comedies of Shakespeare, alongside classic works by Lao She and Lu Xun such as Camel Xiangzi, Teahouse and Wandering. Its authors and translators include Leo Tolstoy, Cao Ying, Lao She, Yukio Mishima, Jun'ichirō Tanizaki and Zhu Shenghao. The press emphasizes the translation and introduction of classic texts and the compilation of native literary works, giving equal weight to Chinese and foreign literature. Owing to limited public information, its specific series and editorial policies are not elaborated here.
Contents
- 版权信息
- 导 读
- 第一章 不信教的叛逆者
- 第二章 哗众取宠的作家圈
- 第三章 我过得不太好
- 第四章 野兽、巨龙、老鼠和蜂蜜
- 第五章 简单的问题不好答
- 第六章 生命向我们隐瞒了什么
- 第七章 四种摆脱困境的方式
- 第八章 我像一只蹲在井底的青蛙
- 第九章 寻找生命的根
- 第十章 平凡的人们握有天机
- 第十一章 刽子手、醉鬼、疯子眼中的生命
- 第十二章 寻找我自己的上帝
- 第十三章 信仰是生命的绝响
- 第十四章 咽不下去的屈服
- 第十五章 在矛与盾的边缘
- 第十六章 尾声，和我的梦
- 托尔斯泰经历了什么
FAQ
How does this book differ from Augustine's Confessions?
Can readers without religious faith understand this book?
Where does this book stand in Tolstoy's creative career?
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About the author
Leo Nikolayevich Tolstoy (1828–1910) was a Russian writer of critical realism and a thinker. Born into the nobility, he is widely recognized as one of the world's greatest novelists. His representative works include War and Peace, Anna Karenina, and Resurrection. His writing is known for its broad social vision, delicate psychological portrayal, and profound moral inquiry, and is often classified under foreign literature, world classics, and classic works. This site holds 62 of his works, including the above novels and several English editions. In his later years Tolstoy left home and died at a railway station. Public information is limited, so biographical details cannot be fully described, yet his literary achievement and intellectual influence remain enduring.
