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balberry's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
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? Yes
5.0
This book was completely all-encompassing. If you think it’s just a period romance, you're missing out. There were sections where the discussions on agriculture and local politics dragged a bit (I had to look up a lot of footnotes), but overall, this book is a work of art. It explores every possible way someone can love, be loved, get hurt, and grieve, detailing the parts of love, pain, and personal growth. There’s everything from courtship and enduring marriage to motherhood, family bonds, betrayal, jealousy, and death. The characters’ inner struggles with mental health and spirituality make the story even more powerful. It’s not just about personal relationships – the book also tackles big themes like existentialism, socialism, democracy, paternalistic government, education reform, and wealth inequality. Reading this wasn’t easy, it demanded full engagement. There were times I wanted to keep reading, but my eyes couldn't keep up, the effort was worth it. This book makes you feel every emotion and really pulls you in. It's a classic for a reason, and I understand why it has such a revered place in literary history. I highly recommend it if you’re looking for THAT book.
gillielb's review against another edition
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
violets_are_vio's review against another edition
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
sugarpatro's review against another edition
4.0
I not only read this book for 2/3rd of the year, but also I have lived this book in a way.
All kinds human emotions have been carved in such an engaging and beautiful manner. As a laymen it might feel like this book is based on Anna, but the truth is the book is based on the iconic Levin which is the embodiment of Leo Tolstoy himself.
The ever lasting confusion, the dillemma of finding true happyness and the eternal battle of right or wrong with in our heart could be found in Levin's heart as well.
Reading this book taught me for a fact that, there is a story behind every action that a human being takes no matter how much the society feels it to be immoral and unjust or even morally policed.
People are grey and that's what makes us human.
The society we live in will seldom align with our idea of living our life or the path of love we take, but that should not deter us for performing our duties. Although for a greater cause we must be very cautious because someone once said "Every action performed by thee creates a ripple in the fabric of the universe."
All kinds human emotions have been carved in such an engaging and beautiful manner. As a laymen it might feel like this book is based on Anna, but the truth is the book is based on the iconic Levin which is the embodiment of Leo Tolstoy himself.
The ever lasting confusion, the dillemma of finding true happyness and the eternal battle of right or wrong with in our heart could be found in Levin's heart as well.
Reading this book taught me for a fact that, there is a story behind every action that a human being takes no matter how much the society feels it to be immoral and unjust or even morally policed.
People are grey and that's what makes us human.
The society we live in will seldom align with our idea of living our life or the path of love we take, but that should not deter us for performing our duties. Although for a greater cause we must be very cautious because someone once said "Every action performed by thee creates a ripple in the fabric of the universe."
dcunitz's review against another edition
3.0
“Kitty felt that Anna was perfectly simple and kept nothing hidden, but that there was in her some other, higher world of interests, inaccessible to her, complex and poetic.”
meganbrush's review against another edition
Don't get me wrong, it's still filled with everything magical about Tolstoy, however I couldn't help comparing it to War and Peace and in many ways, it fell short for me.
aga89's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
meekoh's review against another edition
5.0
Tolstoy has completely won me over. He writes with such care and nuance that no character is without vice or virtue. When you are introduced to someone, it is obvious the author has a solid grasp on their distinct psychology. When going into a classic dating 100+ years, I’m often apprehensive of how the women will be portrayed. However, the women are complex with a wide spectrum of motivations and influences, putting them on equal footing with the men. Tolstoy making Anna smart and well read, king.
If you’re thinking of tackling this bad boy, I would recommend approaching it like a TV series rather than a movie. I took my time and finished other books in between. The chapters are short, making it easy to pick up for quick bursts. But yes, the pacing is very slow, so don’t show up for the plot.
Ultimately, this was a great introduction to Russian literature. Its dark undertones, class discussions, political critiques, and northern climate gives it a distinctive style. The sprinkling of French throughout was also very satisfying to my bilingual brain. Depending on your translation, your mileage may vary (I will def have to try a different one next time around).
*kind-of-not-really-baby-spoilers-ahead*
Anticipating the Anna slander, I could write a whole essay on (as Amy would say) marriage being an economic proposition for women in the 19th century which unjustly forces them into impossible situations. But what it really boils down to is, I do not think Anna is any more or less flawed than the others.
If you’re thinking of tackling this bad boy, I would recommend approaching it like a TV series rather than a movie. I took my time and finished other books in between. The chapters are short, making it easy to pick up for quick bursts. But yes, the pacing is very slow, so don’t show up for the plot.
Ultimately, this was a great introduction to Russian literature. Its dark undertones, class discussions, political critiques, and northern climate gives it a distinctive style. The sprinkling of French throughout was also very satisfying to my bilingual brain. Depending on your translation, your mileage may vary (I will def have to try a different one next time around).
*kind-of-not-really-baby-spoilers-ahead*
Anticipating the Anna slander, I could write a whole essay on (as Amy would say) marriage being an economic proposition for women in the 19th century which unjustly forces them into impossible situations. But what it really boils down to is, I do not think Anna is any more or less flawed than the others.