A review by thesawyerbean
Anna Karenina, by Leo Tolstoy

challenging funny reflective relaxing sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

I have finally finished this tome! I found it to be surprisingly easy to read, full of drama and scandal, with richly developed characters and interpersonal relationships. I loved being able to see how the characters, their worldview and their relationships with the other characters changed over the course of the novel, in such a vivid manner that you could feel impending disaster just from the way they spoke. All the main characters were weirdly loveable despite their actions, and it was especially interesting to see Tolstoy’s own life mirrored in the story of Levin.

Having said this, I did find the interspersed verbiage about a collection of political, religious, and societal issues of the time to be somewhat tedious, and they often killed the momentum. It did give opportunities to delve deeper into each character’s psyche, but I was ultimately not engrossed. 
When significant events occurred, the writing was enthralling, humorous and utterly enjoyable.
I would say this is definitely worth the read, not only to say you’ve read it, but as a whole experience.
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