What was the name of Leo Tolstoy’s wife, whom he married in 1862?

Leo Tolstoy married Sofia Behrs in 1862.

Sofia Behrs, also known as Sofya Tolstaya, became Tolstoy’s wife on 23 September 1862. She was the daughter of a Moscow physician and was eighteen years old at the time of their marriage. The couple had thirteen children, although several died young.

Sofia played a major practical role in Tolstoy’s literary career. She copied and recopied manuscripts, managed household affairs, handled correspondence, and helped oversee publication and financial matters. Her work was especially important during the preparation of War and Peace.

Their marriage was also difficult. Tolstoy’s later religious convictions, criticism of property, and decision to renounce control over his copyrights created serious conflict. Diaries and memoirs from both spouses provide different perspectives on their long and complicated relationship.