The Death Of Ivan Ilych

Shows the level of Lev Tolstoy. Brilliant portrayal of human emotions for a man who is dying. Simply too good.

Short book...very easy to read. Relevant even now though it is about Russian society of 100 years back.

I bought this on Kindle because it was mentioned at the beginning of Atul Gawande's book about mortality and end of life. I found it fascinating, as it shows just how little people's attitudes to the sick and dying have changed since mid- C19th Russia! It was of particular relevance to me as I had a similar accident to Ivan Ilyich which left me in chronic pain and disability. I found this novella by Tolstoy fascinating, especially Ivan's realisation as his condition worsens that his family and friends are becoming bored with him. I also identify with him about the prevailing attitude of pretence that he's 'getting better', when he knows he's not.Only four stars because of the numerous editing errors, e.g. completely wrong words. Not for everyone - some might find the subject too depressing or 'negative'. Not me - I loved it.

I'm speechless now, having essentially read this in one sitting. It will change the way you view death, that's for sure. A philosophical masterpiece.

I felt reading it there was going to be a bit more substance, but its a short book and makes you think about how death may be.

Read in preparation for Msc module in palliative care, teaches us many lessons about care of the dying, with tolstoy's description of his final hours particularly brilliant

Why would I review a classic, it has been done many many times.