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turidt's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Classism
Moderate: Drug abuse, Drug use, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Xenophobia, and Alcohol
Minor: Grief and War
thisiswhy_wecanthavenicethings's review against another edition
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This was surprisingly a really interesting book, and while I did struggle a bit in understanding, want to reread again. Some parts of the book felt a bit unnecessary and overly long, however overall felt complete.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Infidelity, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide
Minor: Sexism and Suicide attempt
faerie123's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Racial slurs, Racism, and Sexism
estefizaga's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Drug use, Infidelity, Mental illness, Misogyny, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Grief, Religious bigotry, Suicide attempt, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, and Classism
skinshela's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Beautifully written story about Russian nobility in the 19th century, specifically the lives of Anna Karenina and Konstantin Levin as foils of each other. Tolstoy conveys strong themes of morality, life and death, class, gender and love. From a modern Western context, many of the conflicts in the story can seem quite unnecessary but with an open mind the characters; their feelings and reactions to the events throughout the book is quite touching. I really recommend this for sure!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts and Suicide
Moderate: Death, Infidelity, Grief, Pregnancy, and Classism
Minor: Racism, Sexism, and War
celery's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body shaming, Child death, Chronic illness, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Infertility, Infidelity, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Racial slurs, Racism, Self harm, Sexism, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Antisemitism, Islamophobia, Medical content, Grief, Religious bigotry, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, Colonisation, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
orionmerlin's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Misogyny, and Suicide
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, Mental illness, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Grief, and Classism
Minor: Animal death, Cursing, Physical abuse, Racism, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Anna Karenina explores the psychological torment of its protagonist in depth, including themes of social ostracization, depression, and paranoia leading to suicide. The book also portrays intense emotional and mental struggles, toxic relationships, and the rigid gender roles of 19th-century Russian society. While there is no explicit sexual violence, issues of power imbalance, emotional manipulation, and the consequences of infidelity are central to the narrative. The novel does not shy away from the dark realities of its time, making it an emotionally intense and sometimes distressing read.knenigans's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I did not love the story or the overarching message but I did very much enjoy the writing and it is clear why this remains so popular.
I wish I had read this novel when I was 15, I think that would've been the perfect age for me to fully appreciate it.
I wish I had read this novel when I was 15, I think that would've been the perfect age for me to fully appreciate it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Suicide attempt, Gaslighting, and Abandonment
Moderate: Addiction, Child death, Death, Drug use, Sexism, Antisemitism, Grief, Pregnancy, and Classism
bookish_bry's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Overall I enjoyed Anna Karenina. It had a lot of interesting and complex characters. I found each of them being my favorite at different points in the novel (except Vronsky whom I did not particularly like) and I found myself annoyed with them at different times.
The foreshadowing was done great. I especially liked how trains were constantly mentioned throughout the book foreshadowing Anna's eventual suicide. The horse metaphor was also pretty well done.
It did drag in some places, though really what can you expect from a book of this length, and while I understood the strategy behind the last part after Anna's suicide, Levin's revelation wasn't particularly interesting to me. I actually disagree with the choice to not share his spiritual thoughts with Kitty and think that could have been a more satisfying ending to me personally.
The foreshadowing was done great. I especially liked how
It did drag in some places, though really what can you expect from a book of this length, and while I understood the strategy behind the last part
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Grief and Classism
Minor: Sexism, Antisemitism, and War
Most of this book revolves around adultery and suicidal thoughts and actions.pejahanako's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This book was incredibly surprising to me. I found that the pacing, despite the length of the book, was fairly fast and the romantic plotline was contemporary and relatable. I really enjoyed some of the philosophical reflections of the character Levin, as well as the overall social commentary on upper class society and marriage. However, I do think that some of the commentary- especially on Russia in this specific era- was lost on me, and many of the political discussions were extremely confusing. I think that some of the flaws of this book are to be found in its sheer length and its tangents. While some of the reflections are important and thoughtful, many are repetitive and could be cut out for a more enjoyable read. I also feel that some of the internal monologues detracted from the plotline and character development and seemed to be there for the personal reflection of Tolstoy- rather than the education of the reader. Overall- a deserved classic, with some obvious flaws.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide
Moderate: Infidelity, Sexism, and Xenophobia
Minor: Racism and War