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A review by meekoh
Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
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.