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Anna Karenina
864 pages, 2004
fiction
1382 booksAnna Karenina conveys a grand vista of contemporary Russian life, with all its social and political intrigues. Tolstoy's main character, Anna, abandons her marriage to pursue her passions with Count Vronsky - with tragic results.
Levin is Tolstoy's stand-in, often echoing the author's own opinions on morality and love. Throughout the work, Tolstoy constructs no moral judgments but merely invites readers to witness the tragic phases of Anna's passion and understanding.
As Rosemary Edmonds declares in her introduction to the Norton Critical Edition of this novel: "Mystery begets mystery; ambiguity begets ambiguity. The only reduction of them all is in ourselves through time and a sense of acceptance. "
In Anna Karenina, Leo Tolstoy explores the many facets of love. From passionate and forbidden love to comfortable and familial love, he shows us that love isn't always simple or straightforward. It's a deep dive into the human heart that will make you question your own understanding of love.
Tolstoy doesn't shy away from the moral dilemmas his characters face. Anna's struggle between her desires and societal expectations is a central theme. It's a great book to read if you're interested in exploring the grey areas of morality.
Family is a key theme in Anna Karenina. Tolstoy paints a vivid picture of the joys, struggles, and complexities of family life. If you're looking for a book that will make you reflect on your own family relationships, this is it.
Tolstoy takes a hard look at the societal norms and expectations of his time. He explores how these norms impact his characters' lives, often in restrictive and damaging ways. It's a fascinating exploration of society's role in our personal lives.
Throughout Anna Karenina, the characters are constantly searching for meaning in their lives. Whether it's through love, work, or family, they're all trying to find their purpose. It's a theme that will resonate with anyone who's ever asked themselves, 'What's it all for?'
Quotes 5
If you want to become a connoisseur of the human soul, you must read Anna Karenina.
Vladimir Nabokov - Russian-American NovelistAnna Karenina is a work of art, a true masterpiece that stands the test of time.
Matthew Arnold - English PoetAnna Karenina is a flawless work of art, a novel that is beyond comparison.
Fyodor Dostoevsky - Russian NovelistAnna Karenina is a novel that is both tragic and powerful, a true testament to the human spirit.
Thomas Mann - German NovelistAnna Karenina is the best novel ever written, a true masterpiece of literature.
William Faulkner - American Writer
