Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.97 AVERAGE
3.97 AVERAGE
Contains many of Tolstoy's finer qualities, but clearly surpassed by War and Peace and Resurrection. I remember resonating strongly with Karenina's husband, Karenin.
First of all, I'm very proud I finished this book in time for book club! It was a very long read and although it was very interesting to include a lot of the historical/political references of the time, there were very large chunks of the book that felt like overkill (i.e., all the talk of the peasantry and new machines for farming). Putting that aside, I absolutely loved the love stories and drama that affected each of the characters. Those parts were very engaging and fun to read.
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Suicide, Classism
The feeling I have after reading this book is synonymous to the sensation of completing a marathon. It was long, frustrating at first, full of so many highs and lows of adrenaline. It even had a few boring and seemingly endless parts that I just mindlessly jogged through keeping the finish line in mind. My friends read it at the same time, together enduring the emotional and physical challenge resulting in cross eyed vision for a short time after hours of pouring through pages. And at the end of it all, when I'd finally reached that 817th page finish line, all I wanted to do was collapse on the ground under the warm embrace of an aluminum foil blanket and light a cigarette. Not that I've ever even attempted to run a marathon.
Bravo Tolstoy. This really is one of the greatest novels of all time.
Bravo Tolstoy. This really is one of the greatest novels of all time.
a masterpiece! i found myself relating to nearly every character and relationship at some point in the novel at a deeply human level. concepts and questions that i’ve struggled with (and internalized) are laid bare and explored plainly. never mind that it was written 150 years ago. awesome.
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Anna Karenina is a profound and thought-provoking novel that, while challenging at times, rewards readers with its depth and complexity. Tolstoy’s masterful character development brings each individual to life, making their struggles and emotions feel incredibly real. The pacing is mostly slow, allowing for rich introspection and philosophical exploration, though it is punctuated by moments of intense drama and fast-paced action. While the title may seem misleading—suggesting a singular focus on Anna’s story—the novel is far more expansive, weaving together multiple narratives that explore themes of love, morality, and society. It’s no wonder this book is regarded as one of the greatest novels of all time.
Acclaimed by many as the world's greatest novel! & what an honor to say I have finished it!!! Finally!!! This was so much of my life but I loved it and I would do it again