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Introduction:
Language: English
Genre: The novel, Literary Realism, Historical Fiction, Historical romance
About the Author:
the Russian author Leo Tolstoy, first published in book form in 1878. Many writers consider it the greatest work of literature ever written, and Tolstoy himself called it his first true novel. It was initially released in serial installments from 1873 to 1877 in the periodical The Russian Messenger.
the Russian author Leo Tolstoy, first published in book form in 1878. Many writers consider it the greatest work of literature ever written, and Tolstoy himself called it his first true novel. It was initially released in serial installments from 1873 to 1877 in the periodical The Russian Messenger.
A complex novel in eight parts, with more than a dozen major characters, Anna Karenina is spread over more than 800 pages typically contained in two volumes. It deals with themes of betrayal, faith, family, marriage, Imperial Russian society, desire, and rural vs. city life.
The story centers on an extramarital affair between Anna and dashing cavalry officer Count Alexei Kirillovich Vronsky that scandalizes the social circles of Saint Petersburg and forces the young lovers to flee to Italy in a search of happiness, but after they return to Russia, their lives further unravel.
Trains are a recurring motif throughout the novel, with several major plot points taking place either on passenger trains or at stations in Saint Petersburg or elsewhere in Russia. The story takes place against the backdrop of the liberal reforms initiated by Emperor Alexander II of Russia and the rapid societal transformations that followed. The novel has been adapted into various media including theatre, opera, film, television, ballet, figure skating, and radio drama.
Trains are a recurring motif throughout the novel, with several major plot points taking place either on passenger trains or at stations in Saint Petersburg or elsewhere in Russia. The story takes place against the backdrop of the liberal reforms initiated by Emperor Alexander II of Russia and the rapid societal transformations that followed. The novel has been adapted into various media including theatre, opera, film, television, ballet, figure skating, and radio drama.
Review
This is a story of numerous characters altogether. Anna's role came into existence by a mishap Tolstoy witnessed at a certain point in his life. Tolstoy's Anna Karenin includes great insights into a wide range of human emotions and weaknesses - many of which are just as prevalent today as when the novel was first published in 1878.
They include infidelity, paranoia, drug and alcohol abuse, obsessional desire, the pressures of family life, hypocrisy, religious bigotry, insensitivity, selfishness, and self-righteousness - all manifested in a lengthy list of highly memorable characters.
Several plots run through the novel, but it is remarkably easy to read. The tempestuous illicit love affair between Anna and Count Vronsky makes sad reading. It eventually consumes them both - with a tragic outcome and much suffering on the way, including Anna's ostracism and social isolation - the outcome of a rigid moral code imposed in Russia and many other countries in the 19th century. Seventeen years after Ann Karenin was published that same code destroyed Oscar Wilde in England.
Tolstoy makes no such judgments and his observations on human behavior and irrationalities. are both sensitive and perceptive. For example, Vronsky's mother maintains that her son has been led astray by the wicked Anna - his lust and passion had nothing to do with it, of course!
If the book first appeared today, it would no doubt be pilloried for racism. When two characters - Katavasov and Kosnyshev - are blackened by dust through an outdoor journey during the Russian summer, the former observes 'But I am not a negro! Awash and I shall look like a human being!'
Just as well Anna Karenin was completed in 1878. Otherwise, the world's greatest novel might never have seen the light of day!
This is a story of numerous characters altogether. Anna's role came into existence by a mishap Tolstoy witnessed at a certain point in his life. Tolstoy's Anna Karenin includes great insights into a wide range of human emotions and weaknesses - many of which are just as prevalent today as when the novel was first published in 1878.
They include infidelity, paranoia, drug and alcohol abuse, obsessional desire, the pressures of family life, hypocrisy, religious bigotry, insensitivity, selfishness, and self-righteousness - all manifested in a lengthy list of highly memorable characters.
Several plots run through the novel, but it is remarkably easy to read. The tempestuous illicit love affair between Anna and Count Vronsky makes sad reading. It eventually consumes them both - with a tragic outcome and much suffering on the way, including Anna's ostracism and social isolation - the outcome of a rigid moral code imposed in Russia and many other countries in the 19th century. Seventeen years after Ann Karenin was published that same code destroyed Oscar Wilde in England.
Tolstoy makes no such judgments and his observations on human behavior and irrationalities. are both sensitive and perceptive. For example, Vronsky's mother maintains that her son has been led astray by the wicked Anna - his lust and passion had nothing to do with it, of course!
If the book first appeared today, it would no doubt be pilloried for racism. When two characters - Katavasov and Kosnyshev - are blackened by dust through an outdoor journey during the Russian summer, the former observes 'But I am not a negro! Awash and I shall look like a human being!'
Just as well Anna Karenin was completed in 1878. Otherwise, the world's greatest novel might never have seen the light of day!
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Another protagonist of the book is Konstantine Levin. He marries Princess Ekaterina (Kitty) the love of his life. Their happy marriage life is portrayed as a contrast to the tragic affair between Anna Karenina and Count Vronsky. Levin is a hardworking, caring, independent-minded, not-so-social family man. He has his own notions and vision towards living. It is believed by many of the critics that Levin is a self-portrait of the author himself.
Prince Stepan Arkadyich (Stiva-Anna's brother) is another prime character of the novel. His affair with the family's governess was the reason for Anna's visit to Moscow from Petersburg.
Anna Karenina is not just a book, it is a mystical, spiritual, exhilarating experience. Each event of this classic is evocatively brought out on paper. Each Russian character is addressed in a certain respectful manner. Each event's description creates a rhythmic site.
Horse races, hunting, dine and dance, election, farming, childbirth, country life, city life is being mentioned with the wholesome authenticity of Russian culture and make this book truly a must-have treasure. Waltz, ballroom's melodious soulful narraration fills the air with euphoria.
The story goes around many characters and it demands patience to fulfill this journey of reading and masterpiece is an understatement.
Why you should buy this book?
It's a very good novel. It's an amazing work of literature. It's a book that should be read by any educated person. However, it's not a novel that can be read to be “liked” (and be considered good) or “disliked” (and be considered bad). It is commonly thought to explore the themes of hypocrisy, jealousy, faith, fidelity, family, marriage, society, progress, carnal desire and passion, and the agrarian connection to the land in contrast to the lifestyles of the city.
Rating for this book: 4.8/5
The story goes around many characters and it demands patience to fulfill this journey of reading and masterpiece is an understatement.
Why you should buy this book?
It's a very good novel. It's an amazing work of literature. It's a book that should be read by any educated person. However, it's not a novel that can be read to be “liked” (and be considered good) or “disliked” (and be considered bad). It is commonly thought to explore the themes of hypocrisy, jealousy, faith, fidelity, family, marriage, society, progress, carnal desire and passion, and the agrarian connection to the land in contrast to the lifestyles of the city.
Rating for this book: 4.8/5
You can buy this book easily from Amazon: Anna Karenina
Written By - Govinda Kumar
Written By - Govinda Kumar
Edited By - Anamika Malik
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