A review by bella_zaga
Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy

emotional reflective 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

4.0

I was literally so smitten with the first third of this book. That first chapter was such a giddy ride of prose. And then Levin started philosophizing in the fields and I was a little bored but still intrigued. And he was so relatable. Honestly, so relatable. I love Levin. And Kitty. And I was even really into the chapters from Vronsky’s pov. But I was so annoyed with Anna by the end. And the way she dragged on with her paranoia. But honestly, probably just annoyed because it’s holding up a mirror. 

Some parts I really liked:

When Levin hears the people singing after their hard work and is filled with yearning to join in but feels like he can’t move or speak until he’s left alone in their wake. And then it’s too late and he’s sad. 

When Anna reads the letter from Karenin starting with the last line because she has to know how it ends before she reads it back a little bit and then through again. 

I’m so proud of myself for reading this book. Like so damn proud. Don’t we all just want to be loved and belong?