Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.97 AVERAGE
3.97 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
An incredible novel that has so many interweaving storylines. Every character is given the care they deserve as no one is ever painted to be the ultimate villain or hero, well there might be a case for the latter. It's clear that Levin was Tolstoy's favorite as he is given so much development, perhaps even more than the titular character. Then again, I don't think Anna's story was about development but about analyzing the ways she acts and feels according to how society reacts to her actions. However, I still question why the novel is called "Anna Karenina." The only answer I have come up with so far is that it's her life that is found at the center of the mind of every character at some point in the novel. If Goodreads allowed for half stars I would give it a 4.5, but alas it does not and it does feel right to give it 5 stars. Although the pacing is amazing for an eight-hundred-page book there are some parts that drag because of overindulging in words, mostly about farming. Nevertheless, the novel is incredible because it doesn't feel like I have been reading, but instead placed in the center of a beautifully created world.
challenging
informative
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-paced
challenging
dark
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
emotional
informative
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:
Yes
I’ve tried reading this book about five times, and seriously, I hate it. Maybe it isn’t the story itself, it’s just way too long and verbose and, sexist and I just couldn’t take it anymore. I will no longer try again. I’ve reconciled that some books just aren’t for me. Especially classics written by white people… it’s too much and they try way too hard. No thanks!
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
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
"I think," said Anna, toying with the glove she had taken off, "I think... if there as many minds as there are men, then there are as many kinds of love as there are hearts."
The book didn't capture my heart fully, and at times the saga felt slow and difficult to focus on, but I did enjoy the book, and the writing. It was definitely the _right_ time for this book to be in my life, as my heart and perspectives have been expanding and experiencing large changes this year. I would have been unable to sympathize or understand anything about Anna if I'd read this a few years ago. The book is about much more than simply Anna, though, it's full of characters living their lives and experiencing the joys and complexities that go with love and hate. Vronksy felt a little underdeveloped, or overlooked; I wish I understood him more.
"It's embarrassing to admit it, but I... I'm unforgivably happy. Something magical has happened to me, like a dream, when you feel frightened, creepy, and suddenly wake up and feel that all those fears are gone. I woke up."
The book didn't capture my heart fully, and at times the saga felt slow and difficult to focus on, but I did enjoy the book, and the writing. It was definitely the _right_ time for this book to be in my life, as my heart and perspectives have been expanding and experiencing large changes this year. I would have been unable to sympathize or understand anything about Anna if I'd read this a few years ago. The book is about much more than simply Anna, though, it's full of characters living their lives and experiencing the joys and complexities that go with love and hate. Vronksy felt a little underdeveloped, or overlooked; I wish I understood him more.
"It's embarrassing to admit it, but I... I'm unforgivably happy. Something magical has happened to me, like a dream, when you feel frightened, creepy, and suddenly wake up and feel that all those fears are gone. I woke up."
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes