And just like that, I'm beyond the halfway point and on what feels suddenly and distinctly like the downward slope toward the end of this enormous book (despite the fact that I still have another 500-600 pages left).

The titular 'peace' is over, and we're back into the 'war;' a more accurate title would probably be "War and Peace and War," but I'll let it slide. Natasha remains a single girl in Moscow, so this war is going to be particularly rough on her. I also sense some impending duels, which is always exciting.