Dear Tolstoy Yours Gandhi - A Profound Connection

Leo Tolstoy and Mahatma Gandhi – two influential figures from different corners of the world, time, and culture, yet bonded by a profound connection that transcended boundaries. Although they never met in person, the exchange of letters between these two legendary individuals reveals an intellectual and ideological synchrony that shaped history and continues to inspire many to this day.

The Letters That Ignited a Friendship

The correspondence between Tolstoy and Gandhi began in 1909 when the young Indian lawyer sought advice from the renowned Russian author. Through their letters, a remarkable friendship blossomed over time, propelling both men toward immense personal growth and global significance.

Tolstoy, already an established literary giant, was captivated by Gandhi's determination to liberate India from British rule through nonviolent resistance. Through their exchanges, Tolstoy acknowledged the potential power of nonviolence and adopted it as a guiding principle in his later works, influencing movements for peace and justice around the world.

Dear Tolstoy, Yours Gandhi: A Novel Based on the True Correspondence

by Thalby Guides(Kindle Edition)

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4234 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	375 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

On the other hand, Gandhi found solace and wisdom in Tolstoy's moral teachings and novels, particularly in "The Kingdom of God is Within You." This book, deeply infused with Tolstoy's philosophy of nonviolent resistance, resonated profoundly with Gandhi's own beliefs, shaping his philosophy of Satyagraha (truth-force) and cementing his commitment to peaceful and transformative change.

Shared Ideals and Inspiration

Both Tolstoy and Gandhi were driven by a profound sense of justice and equality. Their shared ideals of compassion, empathy, and nonviolent resistance formed the foundation of their correspondence. Through their letters, they exchanged ideas on philosophy, ethics, spirituality, and the potential for societal transformation.

Tolstoy influenced Gandhi's understanding of Christianity, urging him to explore the essence of the religion beyond its institutionalized forms. Gandhi, in turn, opened Tolstoy's eyes to the ways in which his writings had shaped the nonviolent resistance movements across the globe, empowering countless individuals to stand up against oppression and injustice.

Legacy and Impact

The exchange of letters between Tolstoy and Gandhi provides invaluable insights into the minds of two visionaries who sought to create a more peaceful and just world. Their profound connection continues to inspire leaders, activists, and countless individuals striving for positive social change.

Gandhi's Satyagraha movement, rooted in the principles espoused by Tolstoy, became one of the pivotal forces behind India's independence struggle, transforming a nation through its commitment to nonviolence and civil disobedience.

Tolstoy's influence extended far beyond Gandhi. His writings on nonviolence inspired prominent figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, and countless others who sought to challenge oppressive regimes and spark societal transformation without resorting to violence.

A Continuing Legacy

The deep connection between Tolstoy and Gandhi lives on, inspiring generations to embrace nonviolence, compassion, and justice. Studying their letters and the intellectual exchange they fostered allows us to tap into their wisdom and apply it to contemporary challenges.

Dear Tolstoy, Yours Gandhi. A title that may seem unconventional at first, but when delving into the profound connection between these two luminaries, the significance and power of their exchange becomes evident. Their letters, filled with philosophical depth, inspired movements, and left an indelible mark on history. The legacy they created continues to echo in the hearts and minds of those who seek to create a better world.

Dear Tolstoy, Yours Gandhi: A Novel Based on the True Correspondence

by Thalby Guides(Kindle Edition)

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4234 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	375 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER ● From the bestselling author of The Two Marias, a riveting novel about the daughter of author Leo Tolstoy, based on original letters and diary entries ● A treat for lovers of historical fiction

1909, Russia. 39-year-old Tatiana has all the reasons to be happy: her father is possibly the world's greatest living author; her financial future is secure, and she is in love. Yet her father, 70-year-old Leo Tolstoy, opposes the marriage. This is not the first time−he had scared away four of Tatiana's suitors. In fact, her father does not see why she should marry and enslave herself to a man. Yet Tatiana knows that she is not getting any younger. Having dedicated her life to her father's career and to the raising of her ten siblings, she feels now is her time to spread her wings. The only question is whether she has any?

With courage, grace, and powerful insight, bestselling author Dear Tolstoy, Yours Gandhi captures the epic panorama of pre-revolution Russia and illuminates an intimate part of history seldom seen: the daughter's struggle. A heartbreakingly beautiful novel that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the durability of women.

“Jonathan Kis-Lev skillfully weaves Tolstoy's daughter's tale with the correspondence of a yet-to-be-known shy Indian lawyer, Mahatma Gandhi. Through Gandhi's eyes, the daughter is to learn a valuable lesson in forgiveness.”

"A gem... Entirely original, Innocence is a book you set aside like a fine wine and wait for the chance to reopen and savor it."

“Historical fiction at its best."

* * * *

BOOK EXCERPT © All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission:

CHAPTER ONE

ROME,
DECEMBER 1931

Tatiana Tolstoy-Sukhotin stood near the window, waiting.

The 67-year-old countess stared at the street below thinking, ‘When will he arrive? The telegram said he’d arrive at three…’

She sat down on the couch in her little apartment. A moment later she got up and walked back to the window, thinking wistfully of the snow she loved in her childhood. She missed the snow.

The newspaper on her coffee table showed his photograph on the front page: those odd round spectacles, the brown skin, the smile with several teeth missing.

She wanted to be upset with this man for not arriving on time, but she found herself instead smiling back at the face covering the newspaper’s front page.

She leaned forward and looked at the article again: “Gandhi Arrivando questa mattina a Roma.”

She read the title again. Though she had only lived in Italy for a few years, she could understand Italian fairly well. It was very similar to Latin, of which she had an adequate knowledge. Her father had taught her well.

“Gandhi Arriving in Rome This Morning,” she translated to herself, “The Indian leader to visit Prime Minister Benito Mussolini in the evening. In the morning he will be greeted by the naval cadets, and then taken to meet with government officials, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Dino Grandi. In the afternoon, prior to visiting Il Duce, Gandhi will be visiting the Tolstoy Museum in Rome.”

She was glad the address was not mentioned. The last thing she wanted was a throng of people and the hideous reporters with their cameras. She had suffered because of them throughout her life, always chasing her father.

* * * *

END OF EXCERPT (To read further click on the book cover, where you can read more using the Look Inside Feature!)