War and Peace takes place from 1805 to 1813 in Russia during the Napoleonic Wars. The novel explores the events leading up to the French invasion of Russia, and the effect of the war and invasion on Tsarist Russia through the lives of five aristocratic families. The novel is at times incredibly philosophic instead of narrative and is one of the longest books in world literature.
Natasha, from The Brothers K adapts her namesake from one of the female characters in War and Peace.
The novel introduces Natasha at quite a young age and she is portrayed as lively and spontaneous through her interactions with others and through her love of dance and music. She is well loved by everyone she meets and her genuine nature and fondness of life charms those in her presence. After her botched elopement and passionate relationship with Anatole Kuragin she becomes repentant and grows wise from her experience.
Natasha is at first engaged to Andrei Bolkonsky who leaves to tour Europe for a year after his father insists on Andrei waiting one year to marry Natasha. Natasha, not pleased with the decision, becomes infatuated with Anatole Kuragin who convinces her to elope with him. Natasha is stopped by her godmother and cousin Sonya. Later they find out Anatole was already secretly married to a Polish woman. Andrei does not forgive Natasha for breaking off the engagement. Natasha is greatly ashamed and attempts to kill herself, which leaves her very ill.
Andrei is eventually able to forgive Natasha before dying and later on in the novel she is reunited with Pierre, an old family friend to her and one of the main characters in War and Peace based on Tolstoy himself in many ways. Pierre realizes his love for Natasha and they marry in 1813.
The Brothers K 