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3.97 AVERAGE
3.97 AVERAGE
Abandoned it. Russian lit is just not my thing.
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A monumental novel that masterfully explores passion, societal pressure, and personal tragedy. Anna’s struggle for love is both captivating and devastating. With profound character depth and sharp observations of Russian society, Tolstoy has crafted a true masterpiece.
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
No
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
challenging
emotional
inspiring
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book took me around a year to finish 🫣. However, I’m still glad that I did, because Anna Karenina is a classic that, if you’re into classics, is a must-read. Even though the story is not the most captivating, it is still enjoyable and really gives a great look into 19th century’s Russia’s views and interests. The main problem, for me, was the complexity . Tolstoy describes the story really thoroughly and adds a great deal of details and characters without a proper introduction. At some points (especially Levin’s farming chapters 🫠🫠🫠), these details make the story dreadful. However, I think that’s also what gives the book its charm. The reader gets a bird’s-eye view into the life of Tolstoy’s characters.
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
4.5/5: truly surpassed the test of time. i seldom take my time with books i enjoy, and never did i think i would find myself caring so much about the trifles and affairs of unhappy Russian nobility from centuries ago, but here i am...despite the annoyance i felt, being reminded of the constant blushing and mood swings of most (if not all) of the main characters, i truly felt connected to them.
my only criticism, which is why i docked .5 stars: maybe i just don't get it, but this book really should've been called Konstantin Levin instead of Anna Karenina. unfortunately, Levin just isn't likeable to me, and being a Tolstoy self-insert, many of Levin's musings just felt tacked on, rather than carefully thought through. first came the rambling on farming practices (though i'm sure this must have been very relevant back in the day): this was, for me, the low point in the book. even after the Train Thing happens, we barely hear about the fallout; rather, we are treated to a near-hundred page rambling of sudden found faith. perhaps i'll feel differently when i come back to this sometime in the next decade.
my only criticism, which is why i docked .5 stars: maybe i just don't get it, but this book really should've been called Konstantin Levin instead of Anna Karenina. unfortunately, Levin just isn't likeable to me, and being a Tolstoy self-insert, many of Levin's musings just felt tacked on, rather than carefully thought through. first came the rambling on farming practices (though i'm sure this must have been very relevant back in the day): this was, for me, the low point in the book. even after the Train Thing happens, we barely hear about the fallout; rather, we are treated to a near-hundred page rambling of sudden found faith. perhaps i'll feel differently when i come back to this sometime in the next decade.
"It is possible to save a person who does not want to perish. But if the whole nature is so corrupt, so perverted, that perdition itself looks like salvation, what can be done?"