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beautifulordinary 's review for:
Anna Karenina
by Leo Tolstoy
Wow, 32 hour audiobook. It was... a lot.
I can see why this is a classic. I loved the way the author explored the character's emotions...honestly and without judgment or conclusion. He leaves the reader to decide for themselves whether or not certain actions and decisions were right. I found many of the characters' rapidly changing emotions and opinions, the passionate personalities that sway violently in a moment, to be relatable and compelling. 'Twas interesting to "observe" such passion from the outside and to reflect on how emotions so color reality for each of us, constantly.
On the other hand, I could've done without the endless descriptions of politics and political events for which I have no reference. And I found the number of lengthy scenes which have almost nothing to do with the rest of the story to be frustrating.
The ending was...bittersweet. It was sad, and somewhat redemptive, and just real. I appreciated how the author didn't attempt to tie a nice pretty bow on everything and left the reader struggling with some of the loose endings. That's how life is too.
I'm very glad to have read (listened to) this classic. I'm also very glad to be done with it. It was long and heavy and rather depressing. It was also enlightening and a cause for introspection. One can't help but see oneself in one of more of the characters, which is good reason to re-examine the kind of person you wish to be.
I can see why this is a classic. I loved the way the author explored the character's emotions...honestly and without judgment or conclusion. He leaves the reader to decide for themselves whether or not certain actions and decisions were right. I found many of the characters' rapidly changing emotions and opinions, the passionate personalities that sway violently in a moment, to be relatable and compelling. 'Twas interesting to "observe" such passion from the outside and to reflect on how emotions so color reality for each of us, constantly.
On the other hand, I could've done without the endless descriptions of politics and political events for which I have no reference. And I found the number of lengthy scenes which have almost nothing to do with the rest of the story to be frustrating.
The ending was...bittersweet. It was sad, and somewhat redemptive, and just real. I appreciated how the author didn't attempt to tie a nice pretty bow on everything and left the reader struggling with some of the loose endings. That's how life is too.
I'm very glad to have read (listened to) this classic. I'm also very glad to be done with it. It was long and heavy and rather depressing. It was also enlightening and a cause for introspection. One can't help but see oneself in one of more of the characters, which is good reason to re-examine the kind of person you wish to be.