A review by carolinebl
Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy

challenging dark emotional funny reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
I can’t believe the cover is of a train track; that’s out of line. Poor Anna.
Tolstoy’s characters are remarkably complex. For nearly 900 pages we are absorbed into the inner workings of their lives, the mundane and the scandalous.
I appreciate the note of hope after such a depressing ending for others. I do wish we could have seen more of other perspectives, though Levin’s brought the story to a firm conclusion.
I see why this is lauded as the great work of realist fiction; I won’t forget this story. Unhappy families are still unhappy, but I’m glad we have more choices now.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings