Anna Karenina
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3.9 • 392 Ratings
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Publisher Description
An Apple Books Classic edition.
“Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” Thus begins what many consider the world’s greatest novel. Leo Tolstoy originally published this sweeping saga in serial form beginning in 1875, portraying a vast swath of Russian life, from the fields worked by starving peasant farmers to the sitting rooms (and bedrooms) of privileged aristocrats.
Despite its epic nature, Anna Karenina is an intricate, intimate study of one woman’s downward spiral into tragedy. As Anna’s husband becomes increasingly absorbed in philosophical and political introspection, Tolstoy’s heroine grows weary of her life as a mother and wealthy man’s wife. Increasingly unsettled by the stark class differences she observes, Anna finds passion again in a forbidden affair with Count Vronsky. But can she overcome her obsessive concern with societal norms to find a measure of happiness?
Passion. Betrayal. Love. Revenge. Tolstoy’s classic has it all.
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
Okay, yes, this is Big Serious Russian Literature. But put that out of your mind! When you get right down to it, Anna Karenina is the story of a smart, passionate woman whose ultimate unravelling is as heartbreaking as that of any of our favourite romantic heroines, from the Brontës to Jojo Moyes. Leo Tolstoy skillfully weaves the romance between the countess Anna and the debonair cavalry officer Vronsky into a wider story of politics, class, and religion. It’s like getting a fascinating lesson in 19th century history alongside a deeply emotional love story. And did we mention it’s kinda sexy?
Customer Reviews
A beautiful classic
Anna Karenina gives a wonderful insight into pre-revolutionary Russia. The names given in full are sometimes a bit confusing but definitely authentic. It would be helpful to have footnotes explaining the concepts to modern readers but the interwoven stories of Anna and Levin come through strongly. Definitely worthwhile reading.
Mindnumbingly tedious
This novel could have equally been called Russian Agriculture in the 1800s as much time was spent with Levin complaining about the laziness and uselessness of his peasants. And indeed his quest for explanation of God.
Anna was a poor mother, unable to love her second child, or to remain with her husband in order to keep her first child.
Both main characters surely suffered from depression, and I felt similar as I plodded through this massive tome. Fortunately for me I knew the end having watched a film years ago and when Anna ordered her coachman to drive to the train station my depression began to lift as I realised the end was in sight at last.
And now I think, some Jane Austen re reading is in order.
Boring
I think this is only for adults kids won't understand it