one of my favorite books from back when i had an attention span. I was not aware of a miniseries what channel is it on?
i have found with this book and with other books, the translation makes a difference. some translations are good for understanding the book and reading an academic context, but they are not necessarily the most enjoyable... the first time around was in a literature class, and the professor had us reading the maudes translation,which is the onlyEnglish translation Tolstoy himself approved of. it's a very literal translation and they also translated the bits that were in French right within the original paragraphs, which some people like. the maudes is widely used among literature scholars
there is a newer translation that keeps the French in the passages and translates them into footnotes, which i personally would prefer. i have not read the entire version of that, though. perhaps if i did, i might reconsider
the 2nd time around iread the Garnett trsnslation it's a bit more poetic and lyrical but the translator took a bit more license, kind of like the Jerusalem Bible vs. Douay Rheims...I find this translation was a joy to read, almost magical, and better highlights Tolstoy's unique style
many also find the Briggs translation very approachable although i am not as familiar with that one.
i also used to listen to one translation through your headphones while reading another....best of both worlds