Yes, it's a "classic" and I realize that its supposed to be against some unwritten code to openly admit to hating a classic. But to my credibility, this was my second attempt at not hating it. I read it once as a teen and hated it then, so I thought maybe as an adult, experience and wisdom would let me read it through different eyes. Nope. Still hate it. It is just such typical Tolstoy: "Oh how I want what I shouldn't touch, but to hell with the consequences because I just cant help myself." To

This is a novel about power of woman and thinking of society in Russia in the 19.th century. The novel describes destiny of three families: Anne´s family, her brother´s family and Levin´s family. Every one of those families is diferrent, but with interesting opinion on life.

As we all know, the strongest feeling is love. Love can manipulate and make you do things without any hesitation. Unfortunately, love also can cause problems and despair. Anna Karenina is a story about the tragic love of a woman who already had a husband and a son, but fell in love with another man. By that, she made herself rejected by society, which caused her to fall into a deep depression and finally commit a suicide. There are a lot of themes in the story, like love and jealousy, when Anna

Let me start by saying I went to this book blind. The only things I knew were that this is a russian classic from 19th century and it's a tragedy. And I gotta say I was shocked! In a good way. This book talks about topics I've never thought a book from this time would, such as infidelity, mental ilness, drugs addiction (I'm talking about Anna and morfium) and suicide. I read a shorter version and I don't know how I would feel about the original but I enjoyed this! And I'm definitely gonna read m...

I understand that the translation is better now. Truthfully, when I read it years ago, I would have given it a 3. But I would have based it on the story itself (maybe 3.5). I'm going to read it again because it is deemed as one of the greatest of the classics by academics and writers that I respect. That's why I'm giving a rating of 5.0. When I read it I wasn't qualified enough to evaluate Anna Karenina. I hope to read it again and do a better job this time.

LEVIN IS THE MAN.

Loved it..

First read it back in my teen years, didn't get much out of it. Re-reading it now, in my early 20s, I was amazed how captivating such a long and notoriously detailed book can be. The parallel of the three families, the development of relationships between the spouses, gives an insightful idea of what love and family life can and cannot be. Yes, a lot has changed in society since the late 19th century, but the core feelings are pretty much the same. I wouldn't want to claim that I understand Anna...

One of the only books I couldn't finish. I've read some pretty boring books that I managed to enjoy in the end but good gravy this book is just ..I felt literal relief when I finally gave myself permission to give up.Did I mention it was the second time I tried to read it? Zzzzz

If you only read one book make it this.

"if goodness has a cause , then it's no longer goodness; if it has a consequence then it is also not goodness. consequently, goodness is outside the chain of cause and effect."

Reviewing a book like this is difficult because there is the whole historical context to take into consideration. The book is heavy on philosophical and religious rumination (something I am sometimes guilty of). And Tolstoy's style doesn't foll0w a lot of the modern "do's" of good novel writing.But, when yo get down to it, I think what impressed me most this time I read the novel was the matrix of juxtapositions Tolstoy creates - Dolly versus Anna (on the theme of adultery), Karenin versus Alexa...

If you want me to discuss themes, I'd probably have to read the print version, but for my first walk through a Tolstoy novel, listening to it was the way to go for me. Frequently I marveled at the basic plot, centering on Anna's affair and eventual divorce, but also the amount of discussion about personal faith. It was interesting to hear about the classes in Russia, the duties and expectations.There were times I also thought--"What a soap opera!"Better than I expected, yet I fear that I would g...

I'm in love with this book! The characters are described very well- you can really understand their thoughts and emotions. A love Vronsky and Levin. They're both very different but I love them. Of course Anna is also one of my favorite characters. Her personality is very interesting. She is beautiful inside and out. You know- Tolstoy is genius.

An interesting book for sure. It took me foreverrrr to read. Very drawn out but engaging as well, you really understand Anna's journey into depression and moral crisis. Would recommend to a fast reader who tolerates Tolstoy's very slow nature of writing.

How I wish there will be different destiny or ending for Anna Karenina ,buy if Anna and Vronsky both wanna to live under th is society, the ending is inevitable and very reasonable, however I still astonishing the way Anna choose

pretty good

Timeless picture of human passions and where they can lead. When reading I was under the skies of Russian countryside.

Russian literature is not my favorite, so this rating might be biased. I didn't mind the ending (which is not normal for Russian media)-it was actually a nice ending. I mean the end ending, not the part when Anna's role in the story ends. There are some things to like in this book. I enjoyed Levin's "conversion". I thought Tolstoy's description of the feelings accompanying communion with God was just exquisitely done. There were a lot of good insights into human nature altogether. I found the ju...

Wow, what a book ... had this on my bedside table for years as the length of this book scared me a bit. Read it in English as the Dutch translation I had was horrible. It is my first Tolstoi (even my first Russian classic but it won't be my last) Absolutely adored this book which read as a Russian soap opera with as main theme: how do we find happiness? Through Levin, Anna, and a host of supporting characters, we see several approaches to happiness. Levin searches for fulfillment through work; A...

The final pages of Leo Tolsoy's 'Anna Karenina' are breathtaking, as timeless as they are meaningful. From society's revelation to a desperate and hateful Anna that all societal constructs, all traditions and fads -- religion, politics, class, education, marriage, gender, etc. -- are constructs of vanity, to Levin's pseudo-religious submission to an almost Kantian authority existing independently of those same constructs, these last pages prove worth the long and tragic, but ultimately redeeming...

This was one of the hardest book for me to read. The writing was great it was just long and I found much of the detail irrelevant except in helping you to understand the depth of some of the characters. I have always wanted to read it and am glad I did, if you feel so inclined just be prepared to give it time. I'm sure that it should get more stars, after all it is Tolstoy, I gave it three because I wouldn't be wanting to pick it up any time soon.

I am actually reading the full copy of Anna Karenina! About half-way through the 800+ page book. The writing is equisite and the translators have done a wonderful job of keeping his voice throughout the novel!

Well I mean, you probably aren't going into this book blind. And if you are going to set aside enough time to develop a monogamous relationship with it, I hope you like things that make you sad. Especially if you are a woman.There, I said it. This book makes you sad to be a woman.

Read this in Russian.1) Author eloquently uses Pushkin language, imo thats the most valuable part of this book. 2) Made me feel like watching a soap opera.3) If you have extremely huge amount of time to waste, this book is a perfect choice.

This is probably one of the most powerful and passionate book I have ever read. I admire and at the same time see the mistakes of the heroine - Anna Karenina. This book is a classic together with other works of Tolstoy

I can't speak for this particular edition and translation. When I read this about 10 years ago, the Signet paperback version seemed to be the best translation.

All time favorite! One that I always go back to.

Not as good as I expected. Really hard to finish.

Speaks of so much more than the affair