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3.97 AVERAGE
3.97 AVERAGE
I jumped into this novel with no idea what it was about, and I've never seen the movie. I enjoyed it very much, and it was an amazing read up until the final section which did feel out of place. However, I looked up Tolstoy's background afterwards to understand why that section stands out. It helps to keep track of the characters as many of them have nicknames, and there are so many.
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I’m a firm believer that this should have been two separate books about Anna Karenina herself and then the B-Story of Konstantin Levin which felt mostly superfluous to me
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Suicide
More than a story following a plotline, you have the feeling that Tolstoy only focused on creating the characters and then set them free upon the page. They come through and seem to find a life of their own, while the author is throwing them further and further into a desperate situation.
Anna Karenina accompanies the life of its namesake and of Constantine Levin, as well as the intermingling lifes of their acquaintances. They act as two parallels to understating our role in the world in two very different paths and results.
Anna Karenina accompanies the life of its namesake and of Constantine Levin, as well as the intermingling lifes of their acquaintances. They act as two parallels to understating our role in the world in two very different paths and results.
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A perfect novel. Worried it may have ruined other books for me. Each character is so well-drawn and complex, and Tolstoy expertly explores the titular characters son and madness without condemnation. I do have to come down on the side of not particularly liking Vronsky, though. I do not believe in the goodness of his and Anna’s love. Perhaps I will have more to say later.
challenging
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-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
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Infidelity, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Suicide attempt, Pregnancy
Moderate: Misogyny, Racism, Antisemitism, Classism
Minor: War
emotional
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
just so many scenes about Russians on a farm