“Listening to the generals debate theoretical strategies at headquarters, Andrew decides he can be more useful at the front, so he requests a transfer.
Category: Book 09, P&V pgs. 603-681
Nicholas remains on active duty with the army as a matter of honor, although the Rostóvs want him to retire. He misses Sónya.
Nicholas and Ilyín visit the makeshift tavern of Mary Hendríkhovna and her husband the doctor.
In the middle of the night, Nicholas’ unit is ordered to march to Ostróvna for a battle.
Nicholas attacks without orders, nearly kills a Frenchman face to face, and then wonders why he is doing this.
Natásha is ill through the Summer. She is treated by ineffectual doctors.
After her illness, nothing seems to give Natásha any joy. She finds comfort in talking to Pierre. She decides to take holy communion at church, which uplifts her spirits.
The war news is disquieting. At church, Natásha prays for forgiveness and for the deliverance of Russia.
Pierre is secretly in love with Natásha. He dabbles with numerology, somehow convincing himself he is destined for a great place in history.
Pierre, finding it increasingly difficult to conceal his affection for Natásha, decides he must stop visiting the Rostóvs.