This week I finished Anna Karenina, originally by Leo Tolstoy (Introduction and Notes by Amy Mandelker, Translated by Constance Garnett).
I am conflicted about this book. I enjoyed the relationship between Levin and Kitty (the notes suggest Tolstoy modeled much of their story on his life with his wife--so sweet), while at the same time deeply opposing Anna and Vronsky. My dislike is not of their actions, but of the characters themselves. Anna's character changes so much within the story that it is hard to imagine such a crazy woman, or a man I could not sympathize with more than Vronsky. Without revealing the ending, Anna got what was coming to her.
I personally think I would have enjoyed it much more if I had thought of each "part" as a separate book, like The Chronicles of Narnia or Harry Potter are seperate books, and not sequels so much as a continuation of the story in the future. This classic is quite lengthy and it took me about four months to complete. The novel is also set deep within it's time, so if you aren't following the notes in the back or you don't have a historical eye for the past you may not pick up on all of the little details. Often the narrator gets bogged down in the Russian of the time, using several chapters to discuss plot points that go no where or have no relation to the main flow of the story. If, however, you are looking for a book set firmly within high Russian society directly before the October Revolution, or if you are an avid reader/academic I would recommend Anna Karenina for you.
Personally: this is one that I read once for its academic and historic value and will never pick up again. Just not my cup of tea.
3 out of 5 stars.
