Anna Karenina Book Reviews

AUTHOR
Leo Tolstoy
SCORE
4.5
TOTAL RATINGS
3,600

Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy Book Summary

An Apple Books Classic edition.

“Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” Thus begins what many consider the world’s greatest novel. Leo Tolstoy originally published this sweeping saga in serial form beginning in 1875, portraying a vast swath of Russian life, from the fields worked by starving peasant farmers to the sitting rooms (and bedrooms) of privileged aristocrats.

Despite its epic nature, Anna Karenina is an intricate, intimate study of one woman’s downward spiral into tragedy. As Anna’s husband becomes increasingly absorbed in philosophical and political introspection, Tolstoy’s heroine grows weary of her life as a mother and wealthy man’s wife. Increasingly unsettled by the stark class differences she observes, Anna finds passion again in a forbidden affair with Count Vronsky. But can she overcome her obsessive concern with societal norms to find a measure of happiness?

Passion. Betrayal. Love. Revenge. Tolstoy’s classic has it all.

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Book Name Anna Karenina
Genre Classics
Published
Language English
E-Book Size 1.15 MB

Anna Karenina (Leo Tolstoy) Book Reviews 2024

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Stands the test of time. I was shocked at how much I enjoyed this book and especially how it’s stuck with me. The storyline is still relevant after all these years and thought provoking. It’s interesting and rare for a book to have so many characters that are well developed and all relevant to the story. I found that a little hard to keep up with at first, but in the end it’s really what made the book so good.

Amazing read. Knowing how old this book is, it came with a great surprise how current and relevant all the concepts of the book are. My suggestion to the readers would be to not read it for story - and there is a great story there anyway - but read it to feel the scenery, the human psychology, the difference between the thinking of men and women, different types of men and most of a philosophy about "goodness" as a religion for all the skeptics out there.

Need to make citation friendly!!!. The only complaint that I have is that this book cannot be cited which is a big issue for this broke college student who can now not cite a book that is the whole subject of her last research paper of her undergrad.

Loved it - Great insight into the human Psyche. This classic book is beautifully written and goes into painful detail about human interactions and thoughts; what makes us tick and portrays a realistic and interesting view of Russia in Tokstoy’s time. The book really makes you think about the things that are important in life and the human heart and how much it can be pulled yet still provide a resemblance of love. It is also an interesting lesson in social climate and how, when we are separated from love in it’s various forms what can happen to our perceptions and how we live and die. This is not an easy book to read. Between the timelines for which this was written and the translation, I found I needed to read this book more slowly and there parts I would re-read because I wasn’t 100% sure in how to interpret the text. Each section of the book is written through the eyes of a different character. This explains why I loved some sections more than others. Some were so intimate and full of life and other sections I got tired of hearing what was for dinner. There are many symbols in the book as well and how each person lives with shame forced on us by society. The double standards between men and women were likewise frustrating. I’m glad I read this book and there are parts of the book I still think about even though the book is done. It’s a classic for a reason. Stick with it. One final note, there are multiple translations of this book and some people do not like some of the translations. I found this version on iBooks to be very good.

It's always unwise to enter train stations when depressed. It's always unwise to enter train stations when depressed

Probably the Best Book I’ve Ever Read. I’m a bookworm in my mid 20’s. I was first introduced to Anna Karenina in my undergrad in a comparative literature class, when I was engaged to someone who was wrong for me. THIS BOOK OPENED MY EYES TO THE TOXICITY OF THE RELATIONSHIP, and gave me the courage I needed to break it off! The book was originally titled “The Two Marriages,” (though I would say it follows three principle relationships) which I think may have been a better title for it as it helped me understand the book so much more. I am now married to someone else and a mom to a one year old. I picked up this book again on the reading app so I could read on the go, as my little one is energetic to say the least. And WOW!! Every time I read this book I am floored, floored people!! The characters, the metaphors, the universal questions and truths, it is all so beautifully done. Tolstoy was truly a master of his craft. Don’t let the page number daunt you; again, I don’t have much time to sit and read because of my baby, but since it’s on my phone I can read AND annotate on the go!! Do yourself a favor get started!!

What Else Could Possibly Be Said?. It’s Tolstoy, so it’s great.

Anna Karenina. This book is truly incredible and it is definitely worth your time to read it. Some parts are a little slow but, for the most part, it is utterly captivating.

Anna Karenina. Very philosophical, with a humanistic recounting of Levin’s journey toward a rule book for life. Anna represents self-centered, narcissism leading to self-annihilation as its result. Kitty is the benevolent part of humanity as the good. Each character displays a different aspect of humanity.

Not free. Keeps showing up as free book. But it’s not free

Whew! Finally finished!. I think this is the longest book I've ever read! I'm glad I persevered, but it was tough going for sure. Overall I think it's a good story, but it did kind of feel like it was rambling on longer than necessary. However, as an American living in the 21st century, I think it was important for me to read it, if for no other reason than for me to see that people who I would have previously been tempted to think of as being so different from me were shown to be just the same. We all battle the same things and we all need Jesus! So, thank you, Leo; maybe you could have told it with fewer words, but I'm glad you did tell it!

Not what I expected. First things first, this is not a novel for everyone. I read this book to help my studies in Russian history and literature. Plus, it is an undeniable classic. War and Peace is one of my favorite novels of all time and I was expecting some of the twists and "wow moments" in Anna Karenina, but that was not the case. This book is well written and worth reading, however it is a straight forward novel with not a lot of subject matter that is out of the ordinary.

A deep reflection on human life. A deep reflection on human life and human soul

Lenghty and Predictable. This is supposed to be a classic. I was pretty easy to predict the ending long before the end of the book. The author is verbose. His technique of telling the reader the charecters' thoughts seems trite. This is basically a 19th century soap opera, althought it does give good insight as to why the Russian monarchy was overthrown.

It is THE novel that so many subsequent books and movies are based on. There are limited tales from the beginning of time....plots, themes, characters that appear throughout the ages. This novel is one of the best, if not the best to explore marriage, love, and morality. I do think it's a bit much to introduce to today's high school age students though. Thus, you will find low ratings readily among this crowd. But if you're an adult you've no doubt heard of Anna Karenina and if you've never read it, do yourself a favor and decide to read thirty pages. By then, you're hooked!

Timeless.... This tells the story of Anna's strong passion and kitty's calm love and why one is destined to fail whereas the other gets stronger every day. Wonderful, sad, epic...

The best. The best novel ever written. I've read it about 10 times and each time I learned something new about the book, about the world, and about myself. The characters, from a time and place I do not know, make the same mistakes I make, feel the same pain I feel, experience the same joy that I feel in life, friendship, and family. A master writer, The master book.

Anna Karenina. All you have do to truly enjoy this book to its fullest is slow down, savor, and read it on your iPad so that if there is anything you don’t understand about Russia, Russian customs, locations or whatnot, your iPad is right there to do very quick, smooth research, understand what you read, and then just read on. This book is a great book, every inch it, written by a true master. I still found “War And Peace” to be even better (6 stars?), except for the out-of-control last chapter on Tolstoy’s religious philosophy on war. I found it redundant after reading the rest of the book. That old man sure could write grippers, though.

The Best Yet. My favorite book by one of my favorite Russian authors. The story asks and answers many questions we all have about life and the kinds of people we meet and know.

Amazing!. I tried to read this when I was younger and could not get through it. Now I have no idea why as I just read it, could not put it down and thought about it a lot when I was not reading it. Possibly the best novel I have ever read.

Explains the whole of human nature. A truly timeless, brilliant book. The characters' experiences can be directly translated to modern times and each one gives you a lesson in human nature that you will no doubt personally relate to. The most remarkable aspect to me though, is that Tolstoy captured a most profound look into a woman's thought processes.

Anna Karenina. Absolutely engaging, thought at times boring.

I love it!. This is my favorite book. The story isn't full of action, it is full of substance. It teaches that choices have consequences that affect others, even if we intend otherwise; that good is good and evil is evil. It is a story of love and redemption; of faith and forgiveness, especially of one's self.

Anna Karenina. Was a great book. Good reading for all.

Anna Karenina is a great romance!. I read this book over the summer, and I really liked it. The only thing was the fact that it went really slow at times, and I would put the book down for a few weeks out of boredom. Anna Karenina is a very-well written book with two different kinds of romance: Tragic, sinful forbidden love vs. happy, beautiful, and blessed love.

Typical. If you liked Crime and Punishment, or Metamorphosis, you'll enjoy this book.

Exceptional. One can never be the same after this book. I'm sad it is over.

Who is the translator?. Does Apple list this information anywhere?

Anna karenina. I lost the point of this book somewhere around page 8 or 9 hundred. Another rambling story about Russia's ruling class jest like Ar mad Piece. Don't waisted your time. Read Tarzan instead

Forgot this one. This novel is not worth the time reading it. It has exremely boring sections, the characters are not likable and it is a hodgepodge of novellas. Tolstoy published these in installments- more money for more installments. Woman are not nicely portrayed, either goofy, stupid, or as in Anna’s case, made to be psychotic. There is no way that she would have thrown herself under a train, when she could have just taken too much opium. I only finished it as a challenge. My advice: don’t read it.

Good but long. It's not the most exciting book in the world but it kept me interested even though I didn't have to read it for English class. It's one of those books that you can say, "Yeah it was good, but I don't think I will ever want to read it again." I must say that it was a little depressing so don't think that this will be a book with a happy ending.

Profound!. This book was nothing like I expected. I was expecting a dramatic tale of two lovers - which it was, sort of- but it was SO much more. The way Tolstoy weaves the eternal truths about life, death, love, choices, temptation, consequences, truth, and beauty into the story are absolutely breathtaking. His words describe thoughts and feelings that I thought were unique to me as if I had shared them with him because his insight into human emotion and relationships is profound and true. I throughly enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone who enjoys the intricacies and under currents to human relationships and choices. Superb!!

mind blowingly descriptiVe. man, listen! this book will describe the white on rice for 10 pages, giVe you the nutritional information the next ten pages, then painstakingly illustrate the character consuming the rice GRAIN BY GRAIN. i adVise you to read this with beethoVen or miles davis playing; you’re in for a long, slow ride. no need to buckle up, grandma is definitely driVing you home today,the long way! to finish this book is to accomplish a feat. tolstoy is not for the idle, impatient reader;)V

Bad translation. I agree this is a bad translation. It is very difficult to read without being distracted by the way it was translated.

Anna Karenia. Disappointed in Anna's fate. The names were very confusing. Felt it was way too detailed in regards to conversations and trivia. Very little action. Too much musing about unfamiliar subjects, agriculture and the like. Also difficult to follow the philosophical self-talk and endless discussions.

This is a good book. I love this but it's really good so far

Very good. This is a very good, very long story. Well written. I have enjoyed it very much. It's hard to keep up with all of the people. I, finally, went back and made notes on the relationships with other people. I will r ad Wa and Peace, but not now. I'll take a break and read a shorter one.

Anna Katrina. Reflects a society in constant change as it portrays the fallibility of people as they focus on power and position; religion; and retaliation. As the story ends it became tedious to plow through some of the dialogue. Still worth reading.

Anna karenina. Philosophical worth reading many times tussle of ones thought are clearly and explicitly observed and expressed and written wonder how the writer has in-depth knowledge ones feelings feels like readers own emotional behaviour is so vividly projected

A Journey of a Book. Originally I picked this up to read a classic and mostly to tell people I was reading Tolstoy, but after it was done, I was glad I read it. It was pretty dry and boring, but by part five out of eight, I was invested in finishing it — partly given to the fact that I felt so invested in the characters. Of course, with an 800+ page book, one does get to know characters pretty well. There were a lot of people in the book to keep track of at the beginning, but the important ones do get easier to remember. A good shock near the end, and hopefully one day I can get to ‘War and Peace’!

OK.. This was an incredibly dry read, but worth it. The love stories entwined in the story take hold and keep you reading until the very end.

Anna Karenina. I have read many books on my iPhone and many of which are free publications of the classics. This review of Anna Karenina receives 3 out of 5 stars because of its lack of footnotes. There are multiple French phrases and Russian references that have footnotes, but are not indicated nor referenced in this eBook. I had a hard copy on hand, as well and I used that as my guide. Inconvenient to say the least, but necessary as I am not fluent in French. About the story in general, I adored it until part 7. This, to me, should not be acclaimed as one of the greatest love stories of all times due to the ending.

My All Time Favorite. Though it’s a long book, it doesn’t feel that way. Tolstoy paints such a vivid and beautiful image of places and people we still relate to today. Everyone will find theirselves reflected in these diverse, intriguing, and truly human characters. Please read this, it answered questions about life and love I didn’t know I had.

Faulkners favorite. When William Faulkner was asked his advice to young writers, he said simply "Read Anna Karenina".

Anna Karenina. I love the classics but this is so wordy and tediously boring

Must Read!. I am a huge fan of historical fiction and classic novels. This is, without a doubt, the most well written novel I have read! This is your ticket for a wonderful trip to late 19th century Russia.

Like it. It a great story but I don't like the end and don't have no footnote

Anna Karnina. So well written. Book of this earlier time period have substance. And character development. So much more substantial than more currently written books. There is a good reason why they are considered classics!!

Llv84. El libro es realmente impresionante, con justa razón es una obra maestra de la literatura universal. Nunca había leído nada de Tolstoi y me encantó. Al principio no me llamaba la atención por el tema de la infidelidad, pero abarca mucho más que solo este aspecto de la condición humana y de la familia.

Great Story....bad ending. It was kind of like a novella. I honestly despise the author's decision to kill Anna out of the book in such a ridiculous manner.

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Anna Karenina. Yes - you need to read it. It is a seminal text. However, be prepared for a long read...and a meandering one! Tolstoy tells us the tale of the beautiful and the damned, but he takes the opportunity to insert swathes of description of 'country matters' while interlacing the whole thing with the tale of his personal journey in faith. I appreciate his crafting of the text and understand his point of view, however I really could have garnered that from a contracted explanation. I do see his description of his personal journey as an act of self-indulgence, with slim regard for the effect on the reader - bar the obvious preaching element. Preaching religion via a work of fiction I consider both pedestrian and duplicitous. I am aware that my opinion may be entirely due to personal beliefs, however a modern audience obviously will bring a much wider range of 'reader contexts' and thus produce a wider range of opinions than those produced in imperial Russia. Ultimately, read and enjoy - with a pinch of salt!

Quite a challenge but overall worth it. Phew I finished the book something I was beginning to think would never happen. Certainly a masterpiece but I was amazed by the ending which seemed very tame compared to the rest of the novel. I’m glad I persevered but be warned it is an extremely wordy descriptive novel which does take a lot of patience. I read it in short bursts which made it a lot easier.

👍👍👍. 😏👍

A true classic. Ahead of its time, this is fascinating as much for its detailed look at Russia in a time of change, as it is for its complex and well-drawn characters. I actually preferred reading the ebook as I found it easier to follow than the paperback (small screen and less densely packed with unfamiliar Russian names)!

A brilliantly written, haunting read. This is a masterpiece! Do not be put off by the length or pedigree of the author. It is beautifully written and easy to read. Anna's passion and jealousy is offset perfectly by Kitty's gentle love story. I loved it!

Anna Karenina. An enjoyable read with mixed pace and foreign social interest. The final chapters speak loudly in today's world about Russian perceptions, and Tolstoy imparts some wisdom as well as balanced debate into the arena. TM (May 2013) is being a tad catty in his objection to Tolstoy bringing a spiritual dimension to his work. Most writers and creative artists give something of their inner selves to their work, and denying them this would limit them unfairly. In fact, I don't agree with all Tolstoy's conclusions (seeming to verge on universalism, as they do) but wouldn't gainsay him the right to express them. The best part for me was Anna's passion at the end - very gripping, yet understandable - followed by Levin's 'conversion' and war debate with his brother and others - perhaps some resonance in how Russia thinks of Ukraine? Like Dickens, Tolstoy has his moments of verbosity, but these are offset by his observations of an era long ago in a land far away, that brings modern Russia closer to our understanding.

Classic. The novel is summed up from the quotes mentioned on the first page and first sentence. "All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way". Tolstoy's statement produces mixed reaction in us: we want to be happy, but we do not wish to be exactly like others. The one way of preserving one's uniqueness is by accepting unhappiness. The two main protagonist in this novel are opposite in character. One is self destroyer, whilst the other one is a creator. Both selves are paramount in defining the reality of one's existence.

Brilliant very easy to read, once you start you get lost in it.. Brilliant very easy to read, once you start you get lost in it...

Fantastic. One of my favourite books. Suggest to all.

Anna Karenina. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this well written book. Tolstoy captures human emotions and puts them into words so magically that I was transported into his era and could not put this book down once I started reading it. Towards the end I felt a bit let down by the change of events, however felt uplifted again by the beautiful way in which he ended the final chapter. A brilliant piece of work that portrays so many different lives and captures the essence of their being!! I would certainly recommend reading it.

Great book!. Loved reading this story & Loved the film too!!

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Anna karenina. A book which takes the reader on a journey about love, loss, how men and females communicate differently, think differently, indulge in power struggles, economics, religion and the purpose of life. So much to enjoy and like.

A beautiful classic. Anna Karenina gives a wonderful insight into pre-revolutionary Russia. The names given in full are sometimes a bit confusing but definitely authentic. It would be helpful to have footnotes explaining the concepts to modern readers but the interwoven stories of Anna and Levin come through strongly. Definitely worthwhile reading.

Boring. I think this is only for adults kids won't understand it

Mindnumbingly tedious. This novel could have equally been called Russian Agriculture in the 1800s as much time was spent with Levin complaining about the laziness and uselessness of his peasants. And indeed his quest for explanation of God. Anna was a poor mother, unable to love her second child, or to remain with her husband in order to keep her first child. Both main characters surely suffered from depression, and I felt similar as I plodded through this massive tome. Fortunately for me I knew the end having watched a film years ago and when Anna ordered her coachman to drive to the train station my depression began to lift as I realised the end was in sight at last. And now I think, some Jane Austen re reading is in order.

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Impressions. It took me around 6 years to read this one. It is like life itself. Characters are slowly unfolding through the time and events. Two separate story lines / loves, and they ended up way differently too. It has a lot of parts hard to read, which are mostly Levin’s thoughts and discussions. These parts; however, unveils the soul of that time in Russia within high society. In general a good read if you have time and if you are OK Levin dictating you things passively…

Powerful and meaningful. Tolstoy's description of Russian's daily life under the Tsars, is vivid. The characters are whole and unique as if we met them in different circumstances and gottten to know them. Yes, Tolstoy is concerned with spiritual and moral consideratios, but we could still read some more about the characters even though then novel is quite long. One needs to be a bit patient and follow the writer through his descriptions, to get to Tolstoy's message.

Anna karerina. Bon, mais un peu trop long. Certains chapitres auraient pu être plus court.

ANNA KARENINA. Wow! Leo Tolstoy, a man of FEW words - NOT! (My version was 2,560 pages.) If he’d written the story using just the first names he could have shortened the tale by 200 pages at least. If someone had edited out all the unnecessary bits the story could have been cut in half. I’m a non-violent person but by page 1,000 I was hoping Anna K. would commit suicide just to shut her crazy talking up. I’ve seen some high maintenance and I’ve seen some crazy chicks - this one took the prize. The Title of the book doesn’t suit. The entire story had VASTLY more about Levin than anyone. Anna K. (Spoiler Alert!) committed suicide 200 pages before the end of the book and as an example almost ALL of those 200 pages are about or around Levin. I was glad the ordeal was over and now I can say, “I read it.” I just can’t explain why I stuck it out to the end. Would I say that it worth the read? Y-yeah, though I bought the book I’m doubtful I will pick it up a second time but I’m glad I read it.

Translation = FRAUD. English never YaUnkee excrement!!

Long and boring. It took me over a month to get through this book. It started off really strong, with lots of interesting drama. I liked the way the character’s lives were all connected. Unfortunately, the drama peaked after the first couple chapters and the rest of the book was extremely boring, not to mention extremely long. I am incredibly relieved to be finished this book.

Bane.Pk. Amazing!

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Summary of Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy

The Anna Karenina book written by Leo Tolstoy was published on 30 December 1877, Sunday in the Classics category. A total of 3,600 readers of the book gave the book 4.5 points out of 5.

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