91 pages 3 hours read

Leo Tolstoy

Anna Karenina

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1879

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy follows Anna's struggle to leave her unfulfilling marriage to a civil servant and pursue a passionate affair with the charming Count Vronsky, set against a backdrop of Russian society in transition. Descriptions of drug use, suicidal thoughts and behavior, childbirth, postpartum illness, and mentions of child death are present.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Leo Tolstoy's Anna Karenina is lauded for its complex characters and deep exploration of human nature, making it a staple of world literature. Critics praise its intricate narrative and social commentary. However, some readers find its length and detailed descriptions daunting, potentially slowing down the pace. Overall, it remains a profound and iconic work.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Anna Karenina?

Readers who relish deep psychological insights, complex characters, and intricate depictions of Russian society will find Anna Karenina captivating. Fans of War and Peace by Tolstoy or Madame Bovary by Flaubert will appreciate its rich narrative and moral explorations. It suits those who enjoy literary classics and probing into human emotions.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Lexile Level

1080L

Book Details

Genre

Classic Fiction

Russian Literature

Historical Fiction

Themes

Relationships: Marriage

Values/Ideas: Religion & Spirituality

Society: Class

Topics

History: World