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Anna Karenina tells of the doomed love affair between the
sensuous and rebellious Anna and the dashing officer, Count Vronsky.
Tragedy unfolds as Anna rejects her passionless marriage and must endure
the hypocrisies of society. Set against a vast and richly textured
canvas of nineteenth-century Russia, the novel's seven major characters
create a dynamic imbalance, playing out the contrasts of city and
country life and all the variations on love and family happiness. While
previous versions have softened the robust, and sometimes shocking,
quality of Tolstoy's writing, Pevear and Volokhonsky have produced a
translation true to his powerful voice. This award-winning team's
authoritative edition also includes an illuminating introduction and
explanatory notes. Beautiful, vigorous, and eminently readable, this Anna Karenina will be the definitive text for generations to come.
- Paperback: 862 pages
- Publisher: Penguin Classics (May 31, 2004)
- ISBN: 9780143035008
My initial post HERE
My post for Discussion Week 1
My post for Discussion Week 2
My post for Discussion Week 3
My post for Discussion Week 4
My Opinion:
If it wasn't for incredible writing, I wouldn't have made it through. It was a tough book to read, invoking many emotions. It seemed like every couple of parts I liked then the next couple I didn't. A real flip-flop of emotions all the way through.
I had a favorite character in Levin throughout most of the book. However, by the end, his distance and the way he treated his wife and son bothered me. Greatly.
I disliked Anna for the whole thing and wondered why someone would write a book about her? Even if a fictional her. Then I remember how intricate the storytelling is and you don't care anymore that her name bears the title. You realize it's the story behind her that brings it all together. All the things you dislike about her, or even like about her, end up showing you what one person's choices can do to a bunch of people. It's that "ricochet-effect" that Leo Tolstoy puts across that teaches the reader that every choice has a consequence, good and bad, for every choice made. And that choice bring more choices, for yourself and all the people connected to you. We don't walk this earth alone and our lives affect the people who share it.
Well, I will admit, I won't be reading War and Peace any time soon, but I must say, this book is worth reading just to talk about it.
So what are you waiting for?
3.5/5
Recommend? Yes
DISCLAIMER: I acquired a copy. I was not compensated for my opinion or this post.
hi Freda! congratulations for making it through AK. it wasn't that tough to read but the emotions it evoked were a different matter.
ReplyDeletethanks for sharing all your thoughts. can't believe the read along is over.
It was tough for me to read.
Deletecongratulations for making it Freda! can't believe it's over eh? thanks for your take on the book.
ReplyDeleteYes! I'd have to say most the enjoyment comes from reading along and ranting altogether :D
ReplyDeleteCongrats on finishing ;)