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A review by srhwdk
Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
4.0
Many parallels can be drawn between Anna and Levin’s characters - both have trouble in their romantic relationships, and undergo existentialism in their own ways. Anna is faced with a midlife crisis, unable to bear Russian norms and the status quo, and ultimately forgoesher life of privilege to one where she is castrated evermore. She leaves her life with Karenin for one with Vronsky who as she finally admits toward the end, only ever pursued her for his own pride and ego. Levin struggles with his love for Kitty, and once this is settled, is pained with struggling to understand the meaning of life and what it leads to. Whilst Anna is on a downward spiral, Levin makes peace with himself and is able to find meaning in life that suits him most.
Something to also note is that a lot of emphasis is placed on Levin's character, despite the book being named Anna Karenina. Levin is said to be based on Tolstoy himself, and so reading whilst knowing this is enriching as you begin to understand why the book focuses on Levin so much.
This is all very interesting to read, but like many other readers I found that some chapters were not important to the overall story - namely on farming and religion. However, I understand that at its time of release, Tolstoy’s political and philosophical tangents would have been received with more intrigue and I can imagine, regarded with more importance and revere, so I can appreciate it more from that perspective.
Favourite chapter in the whole book was Part 7 Chapter 22 with Lauder, Karenin and Countess Lydia booting Oblonsky from their house.
Something to also note is that a lot of emphasis is placed on Levin's character, despite the book being named Anna Karenina. Levin is said to be based on Tolstoy himself, and so reading whilst knowing this is enriching as you begin to understand why the book focuses on Levin so much.
This is all very interesting to read, but like many other readers I found that some chapters were not important to the overall story - namely on farming and religion. However, I understand that at its time of release, Tolstoy’s political and philosophical tangents would have been received with more intrigue and I can imagine, regarded with more importance and revere, so I can appreciate it more from that perspective.
Favourite chapter in the whole book was Part 7 Chapter 22 with Lauder, Karenin and Countess Lydia booting Oblonsky from their house.