A review by poplartears
Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy

3.0

This was a tedious read to begin with but after finding a better translation and putting it on my Kindle things got better. Something about not knowing how much of this massive book I had left made it less daunting. And, although I wouldn't say this is one of the best books ever written, it wasn't the horrible, bring me to tears, drivel of Jane Austen either. I truly think I wouldn't have put the book down if it hadn't gone off into such in depth political and farming tangents. The politics and farming are integral to the story, don't get me wrong, but neither of these things interested me enough to find them enjoyable. I was also disappointed in the ending, I expected to revisit at least her husband and son in conclusion as we had previously been privy to their innermost feelings. I expected reaction of all of Anna's acquaintances to be provided after the tragedy. We knew how each and every person felt about the scandal all the way through the story but her affair ends abruptly we are left to make our own conclusions. Is Vronsky really the only person affected? Does Dolly appreciate her role as a mother and wife more as a result? Does Lidia rejoice and make designs on Karenin? Does Seryozha learn the truth? Does Stiva have any regrets? Although I am happy with Levin's peace of mind and faith in the end I felt like there was so much left to do. Levin's revelations, instead of being inspiring, fell flat because they were followed by the words "the end."