melissahoward's review against another edition
5.0
Wow!! I started this the Sunday before the New Year and have been engrossed by the characters. In fact, I’ve been dreaming strange dreams that are a conglomeration of AK and the movie, Howl’s Moving Castle.
This is definitely a five star book. Toltoy’s characterization and his understanding of psychology is profound. However, if you like plot, this book is not going to interest you.
In some ways the character of Anna reminds me of Madame Bovary. However, while the novel takes its name from her, the novel is really about Levin whose conversion at the end of the novel is compelling. I’ve read Crime and Punishment twice and it is interesting to consider the two entirely different perspectives on religion that are held by Tolstoy and Dostoevsky. But what I find even more interesting is how I am beginning to realize that there is a mindset that inhabits people who do not live in what is traditionally known as Western Civilization, which is foreign and strange to us. It is fascinating to me how those from what is traditionally called the East can change their position so easily based entirely on their mood and opinion of the person they are talking too.
The sprawl of the novel and the tendency to go on tangents has been compared to Les Miserables. I think that it is a fair comparison. Having read some seriously long novels, I think the sprawl and attention to detail found in authors like Tolstoy and Hugo are what give the characters in their novels such compelling depth.
This is definitely a five star book. Toltoy’s characterization and his understanding of psychology is profound. However, if you like plot, this book is not going to interest you.
In some ways the character of Anna reminds me of Madame Bovary. However, while the novel takes its name from her, the novel is really about Levin whose conversion at the end of the novel is compelling. I’ve read Crime and Punishment twice and it is interesting to consider the two entirely different perspectives on religion that are held by Tolstoy and Dostoevsky. But what I find even more interesting is how I am beginning to realize that there is a mindset that inhabits people who do not live in what is traditionally known as Western Civilization, which is foreign and strange to us. It is fascinating to me how those from what is traditionally called the East can change their position so easily based entirely on their mood and opinion of the person they are talking too.
The sprawl of the novel and the tendency to go on tangents has been compared to Les Miserables. I think that it is a fair comparison. Having read some seriously long novels, I think the sprawl and attention to detail found in authors like Tolstoy and Hugo are what give the characters in their novels such compelling depth.
emilyfrombookmarq's review against another edition
4.0
There are so many points I could touch on with Anna Karenina, but I will solely focus on Aleksei, as I found his character most fascinating. A man with the most reputable societal standing, and he goes against every gender norm to give Anna the progressive, independent life she aspires. Aleksei allows Anna to openly pursue an affair with Vronsky, even under his own roof, so long as she minimizes the gossip her actions will cause. Anna might describe him harshly, but he is much more lenient than most men would be in the same position. I find that Aleksei assumes the role that most women would should they find their husband cheating, and it brings grace I didn’t expect to extend him.
Overall, I find it wild that the themes of Anna Karenina still ring true today, but my biggest ray of hope for change comes from none other Aleksei Karenin. If that man can practice patience and humility for a woman finding her place in the world, so can the men of today.
Overall, I find it wild that the themes of Anna Karenina still ring true today, but my biggest ray of hope for change comes from none other Aleksei Karenin. If that man can practice patience and humility for a woman finding her place in the world, so can the men of today.
magdi_thealien37's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
librilys's review against another edition
4.0
4 ½. Finalmente ho letto il mio primo romanzone russo.
seapotatohowisitalrtaken's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Infidelity, Classism, Violence, Toxic friendship, Grief, Animal death, Toxic relationship, Death, and Mental illness
Moderate: Sexual content and Pregnancy
findyourgoldenhour's review against another edition
4.0
I read this twice before; once in college, once again about 10 years ago or so. It isn't a book I've been dying to reread, but I kept seeing rave reviews about Maggie Gyllenhaal's narration on the audible version, so I gave it ago. The story is good and this book is considered a classic, but of course it's way too long. It was originally written as a serial, so certainly Tolstoy was encouraged to pad the story and draw it out as much as possible. It was also interesting to hear Tolstoy inject some of the politics of the day; clearly the peasants of that era were getting ready to storm the palace and stage a revolution that would change the course of history. If you need hours and hours (and hours) of a narrative story narrated by the incomparable Maggie Gyllenhaal, then I highly recommend!
sapphickeats's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
tune in for an excruciatingly emotional masterpiece that will change your life 4ever <33 loved it so much!!