I'm really at a loss for words after finishing this one, what a monumental work this is. 

As a general preface: I read Rosamund Bartlett's translation available exclusively through Oxford World's Classics. I plan to revisit this book with other translations so I can't compare yet, but I will say Bartlett's translation felt like a readable and thoughtful introduction. The numerous notes also elucidate many of the more arcane aspects of the Russian aristocracy.

Anna Karenina follows two major plotlines with a cast of interconnected characters who all weave in and out of different narrative and psychological threads.

Anna Arkadyevna Karenina is a woman as beautiful as she is brilliant (both in her intelligence and in her sparkling personality), until a chance meeting leads to an affair that sends her life spiraling out of control. Amidst the melodrama of her story, I was touched by Tolstoy's reserve in never judging Anna or telling the reader what they should think of her. It is ultimately up to the reader to draw their own conclusions as Anna's mind is laid bare in the masterful, climactic stream-of-consciousness section that leads up to Anna's fate. 

Parallel to Anna is Konstantin Dmitrievich Levin, a young man with a lot of thoughts and no idea what to do with them. Through Levin, Tolstoy gives us a panoramic view of his contemporary society, philosophy, art, ice skating, and much more. Levin's own tortured love for Kitty Scherbatskaya, and the question of what to do with his life, haunts him as much as Anna is haunted by her own immorality.

A veritable sea of supporting players come and go throughout the book: Anna's brother Stiva is a delightful comic character, yet he is also repulsively glib and shallow; Anna's husband Karenin at first seems to be a bitter and jealous antagonist but displays great tenderness at other times; even Levin's dog Laska has a few moments of characterization.

I suppose, by page count at least, Levin's story is the actual central narrative, and it is a wonderful story. But I feel it is Anna's story, and the sheer verbal and psychological intensity Tolstoy uses to render it, that has instantly made this one of my favorite novels.

Characters – 8/10
While Tolstoy’s characters are undeniably rich and complex, not all of them are equally compelling. Anna is one of the most vividly drawn characters in literature, but her descent into paranoia, while believable, sometimes feels overly dramatized in a way that makes her less sympathetic. Levin, though fascinating in his philosophical struggles, dominates large sections of the book in a way that can feel indulgent. Vronsky lacks depth compared to Anna; his character arc is far less compelling, making his motivations frustratingly vague at times. Secondary characters, while well-developed, sometimes feel like they exist to serve thematic contrasts rather than as fully independent individuals.

Atmosphere/Setting – 9/10
Tolstoy’s ability to capture the essence of 19th-century Russia is nearly unmatched, but at times, his meticulous descriptions slow the momentum of the narrative. The contrast between city and countryside is striking, but there are moments when the societal critiques feel repetitive. While the novel immerses me in its world, it occasionally overindulges in the minutiae of its setting, particularly in Levin’s agricultural and political musings, which can feel like a digression rather than a necessary part of the story.

Writing Style – 8/10
Tolstoy’s prose is masterful, but it can also be laborious. His ability to capture human emotion and psychology is extraordinary, but he often takes the long road to get there. Some sections feel overwritten, with excessive philosophical digressions that stall the plot rather than enhance it. His balance between narration and dialogue is usually effective, but certain scenes, especially those involving political discourse or agricultural reforms, read more like essays than elements of a novel. While the writing is undoubtedly beautiful, it demands patience and effort, which can make it a challenging read rather than an enjoyable one at times.

Plot – 7/10
The dual narratives of Anna and Levin provide an interesting contrast, but they don’t always feel equally engaging. Anna’s arc is gripping, but the novel lingers on her downfall for so long that the inevitability of it can feel like a slog. Levin’s story, while thematically rich, is often bogged down by excessive philosophical ruminations that slow the momentum. The pacing is inconsistent—some sections fly by with emotional intensity, while others drag with unnecessary detail. The novel also lacks strong twists or surprises; its greatest moments come from emotional revelations rather than plot developments, which can make it feel predictable in a way that diminishes its impact.

Intrigue – 7/10
There were moments when I found myself deeply engaged, but also sections that felt like a chore to get through. Anna’s story, particularly in the early and middle sections, is absorbing, but once her situation becomes increasingly dire, it starts to feel repetitive rather than fresh. Levin’s storyline, while intriguing in a more meditative way, often slows the momentum to a crawl. The novel held my attention overall, but there were definitely stretches where I had to push myself to keep going.

Logic/Relationships – 9/10
Tolstoy excels at crafting relationships that feel real and deeply human. Anna and Vronsky’s romance, though passionate, is also marked by miscommunication, jealousy, and self-destruction in a way that rings true. Levin and Kitty’s relationship is more stable but not idealized, which adds to its realism. The only issue is that some characters, particularly Vronsky and Karenin, can feel more like thematic tools than fully fleshed-out individuals, making their relationships with Anna feel a little hollow in comparison to Levin and Kitty’s. Despite that, the world-building is impeccable, and the societal constraints imposed on each character feel authentic and unforced.

Enjoyment – 7/10
While I appreciated Anna Karenina as a masterpiece of literature, I didn’t always enjoy reading it. The philosophical digressions, slow pacing in certain sections, and heavy-handed moralizing detracted from the emotional power of the novel at times. The book’s length also makes it a demanding read that requires patience. While I would recommend it to someone interested in Russian literature or psychological depth, I wouldn’t call it an enjoyable novel in the traditional sense. It’s rewarding, but not necessarily pleasurable, which makes it a book I admire more than I love. 

Amazing book, it’s long but so worth it! Super interesting and the characters are all amazing! At the end of the book I felt like I knew every character so personally and this book just couldn’t have been any better!!