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Author: Leo Tolstoy
Genre: Classic Literature
Length: 636 pages
Published: 1998 (version I read); 1873 (original)
Publisher: Public Domain Books
Brief Synopsis: (taken from Goodreads) Married to a powerful government minister, Anna Karenina is a beautiful woman who falls deeply in love with a wealthy army officer, the elegant Count Vronsky. Desperate to find truth and meaning in her life, she rashly defies the conventions of Russian society and leaves her husband and son to live with her lover. Condemned and ostracized by her peers and prone to fits of jealousy that alienate Vronsky, Anna finds herself unable to escape an increasingly hopeless situation.
Set against this tragic affair is the story of Konstantin Levin, a melancholy landowner whom Tolstoy based largely on himself. While Anna looks for happiness through love, Levin embarks on his own search for spiritual fulfillment through marriage, family, and hard work. Surrounding these two central plot threads are dozens of characters whom Tolstoy seamlessly weaves together, creating a breathtaking tapestry of nineteenth-century Russian society.
Set against this tragic affair is the story of Konstantin Levin, a melancholy landowner whom Tolstoy based largely on himself. While Anna looks for happiness through love, Levin embarks on his own search for spiritual fulfillment through marriage, family, and hard work. Surrounding these two central plot threads are dozens of characters whom Tolstoy seamlessly weaves together, creating a breathtaking tapestry of nineteenth-century Russian society.
My Review:
I give this book a 3 out of 5.
This is a very, very long book. I think that's one reason it took me so long to finish it. Well, mostly it took me so long because I kept putting it aside in order to read other, shorter books. I did enjoy the story. Anna Karenina was a very tragic figure in the book, and the entire story shows the decisions she makes and the effects these decisions have on not only her but on her family members and friends.
There was a lot of philosophizing and political talk that frankly bored me. That's why, even though I enjoyed the story, I had to lower the amount of stars I was giving it. I fully admit to skimming some of this in later parts of the story. If you have a month to sit and focus on one book, Anna Karenina is definitely worth the read.
You can purchase Anna Karenina through Amazon in either hard copy or Kindle format.
Have you read Anna Karenina? If so, leave a comment and let me know your thoughts!
Please note: I was not compensated in any way for this review. It is strictly my opinion.
Please note: I was not compensated in any way for this review. It is strictly my opinion.
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