The writer did not appreciate what he had.
Leo Tolstoy lived most of his life with his meek wife Sophia Bers. His wife not only gave him 13 children, but was also a faithful assistant in his business: she rewrote his drafts in neat handwriting, did editing and translated texts into foreign languages. Alas, the chosen one did not appreciate Sofia Andreevna’s devotion.
Before the wedding, he showed her diaries with his love affairs: the 18-year-old girl was shocked by the behavior of the 34-year-old groom. But then Tolstaya endured humiliation and throughout her married life she tried to please her husband, not to show that something did not suit her.
The Count demanded physical pleasure from his other half and insisted on another pregnancy, despite doctors’ prohibitions. But Sophia’s efforts were still not enough. When, during the celebration of the silver wedding, the spouses were congratulated on a happy married life, Lev Nikolaevich said that everything could be better.
