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bruinuclafan's review against another edition
5.0
A remarkable book. Tolstoy to the core--it is a case study of the human condition, society, and interpersonal relations. Tolstoy is amazing. I wish I was 1/10th the writer he was.
This book is full of characters that are living and breathing even now. Most of them are utter and complete pieces of shit. A few of them are not. This dichotomy is most clearly illustrated by Anna/Vronsky (with Stepan thrown in on the side) and Kitty/Levin. I believe that one main thesis of this entire behemoth of a novel is succinctly stated when Tolstoy describes married life from the perspective of one who want it, and then as one who has achieved it. It's the rowboat example. It looks so sweet and serene from shore, a picturesque rowboat in the middle of a lake. But then you're in the rowboat, and you've got to row! Steer! Watch the current! It's an amazing piece of writing.
The other main theme in my mind is the polemic against passion as the driving force of happiness. Again, you have Anna on the one hand representing passion, and Levin on the other, representing living a morally upright life. Tolstoy is not subtle about which he believes is superior.
As between this book and War and Peace, I prefer the latter. But both are amazing works and everyone should read them.
This book is full of characters that are living and breathing even now. Most of them are utter and complete pieces of shit. A few of them are not. This dichotomy is most clearly illustrated by Anna/Vronsky (with Stepan thrown in on the side) and Kitty/Levin. I believe that one main thesis of this entire behemoth of a novel is succinctly stated when Tolstoy describes married life from the perspective of one who want it, and then as one who has achieved it. It's the rowboat example. It looks so sweet and serene from shore, a picturesque rowboat in the middle of a lake. But then you're in the rowboat, and you've got to row! Steer! Watch the current! It's an amazing piece of writing.
The other main theme in my mind is the polemic against passion as the driving force of happiness. Again, you have Anna on the one hand representing passion, and Levin on the other, representing living a morally upright life. Tolstoy is not subtle about which he believes is superior.
As between this book and War and Peace, I prefer the latter. But both are amazing works and everyone should read them.
lairelisse's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
lilian_456's review against another edition
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
mohi001's review against another edition
5.0
Read with pleasure. Written in 19th century, hats off for his brilliant mind of the writer. It explains in details the matters of different people in the story and yet keep it easy to read.
kaiarnold_'s review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
meagan_young's review against another edition
3.0
I liked the actual story lines in the book for Anna and Levin, but those long sections of politics were rough. Definitely read sparknotes along with it
heyitsandreaw's review against another edition
4.0
So layered and wonderful. Definitely reminds me that my worth and value is not defined by human love. :) the description and characterization in this book is top notch!!