The Last Station, by Jay Parini, Text Publishing, $23.95.
Jay Parini’s historical novel on the last days of Russian literary giant Leo Tolstoy is about to be discovered by hordes of film fans. Christopher Plummer and Helen Mirren were nominated for Oscars for their portrayals of Count and Countess Tolstoy, and the flick is sure to be a success. But don’t forsake the book for the film, as it is one of those rewarding reads that stays with you long after the last page is turned.
It’s 1910 in the Russian countryside, and as Leo Tolstoy’s health begins to fail a battle begins between his wife and his acolytes, over his fortune and his love. Based on historical documents, and told from the perspectives of several members of his household, the book is redolent of Russia at a turning point in history, of life with a living legend, the rewards and sacrifices of marriage and even of the meaning of life.
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