Since this is a rather long book and Tolstoy conveniently divided it into volumes, I've decided to comment on the individual volumes as I go. I can thereby keep some sort of continuum of understanding on the text.
First, though, some notes on the version I am reading---a recent translation by Anthony Briggs. Included in the appendices are three sections that have so far been invaluable to me as I read: a list and brief description of the characters, maps of the major battle areas and one to two sentence summaries of the chapters. As with most Russian novels, it is virtually impossible to keep track of the characters with the patronyms, honorifics, given names and nicknames. The list of characters is broken down by family, which is very helpful in comparison to the basic lists I've usually run across.
Any time I'm reading a book describing battles---especially 19th-century battles with detailed troop movements---the maps are essential. Finally, since so many stories are interwoven, the chapter summaries are useful in recalling earlier plot points.
Tolstoy spends the first parts of the volume introducing all of the characters in their civilian social lives. We start to understand the relations between the families---which son is planned to marry which daughter---and the current international situation: the movement of Napoleon and where the political affinities of each character lie (it is surprisingly fashionable to have sympathies for Napoleon in Russian 'society').
From the social layout, two plot lines appear to be of particular import for later in the story. The first is the legitimization of Pierre from the status of a bastard son. Through the events surrounding his father's death, he moves from being scorned to celebrated (from a bastard to a Count). Pierre goes with the flow, seeing the changes in his life and the maneuvering of Prince Vasily to get Pierre to marry his daughter. He sees this all as inevitable---despite his misgivings, he feels there is no way he can resist.
While Pierre sees destiny, Rostov and Prince Andrey instead see opportunity to distinguish themselves and change history. It seems, though, that Tolstoy does not agree with their beliefs, as both are swept in directions beyond their control. And, despite their intentions, are unable to act as they had initially planned.
The other plot line that looks like it will be a centerpiece is that of Princess Marya. The oppressiveness of her life is outlined completely---her horrible looks (except those of her eyes) and the way her father frightens her and forces her lessons. But, despite, or maybe due to, this oppressive atmosphere, she is able to resist the tide of events and decide that her marriage to Prince Anatole is not best in the grand scheme: it is better to find a way for her friend to marry Anatole.
Two battles are also completed in this volume. We see quickly that the Russians are no match for the French in the second battle---the French are better organized, more prepared and have a plan, unlike the allies (Russian and Austrian) whose plan is extremely complicated and has little support from those carrying it out. Tolstoy notes his thoughts on the plan for the battle of Austrerlitz by describing the "disposition [of troops] was very complicated and hard to understand" and "went on and on." With that description and Kutuzov sleeping through its announcement, there was no hope for the Russians.
One aspect that Tolstoy is very keen to communicate is the reverence and adoration of the Tsar, shown most clearly through Rostov. Tolstoy describes how Rostov "longed for some means of expressing his love for the Tsar." And that Rostov contemplates that if the Tsar ever spoke to him, he would "die of happiness." Tolstoy later mentions how "nine-tenths of all the men in the Russian army were in love...with their Tsar and Russian military honor." A very hard thing to consistently live up to in a time a war. I sense we are soon to see further disillusionment of soldiers as the war continues.
