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tommy_g's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
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
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship, and Classism
Moderate: Death, Mental illness, Suicide, and Abandonment
Minor: Chronic illness, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Terminal illness, Grief, Pregnancy, and War
elihrus's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
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? It's complicated
3.75
This book is a tough one. A lot of philosophy about God and blame... And a lot of pseudo-communism and agriculture. I guess I wouldn't read the 870 pages again.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, and Grief
Moderate: Death, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Alcohol and War
charleyyyyy's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
5.0
I can't believe I've finally finished this book. It was worth it though, I think this is a very rewarding read, and I enjoyed it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Gun violence, Misogyny, Racism, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Medical content, Grief, Suicide attempt, Pregnancy, War, and Classism
rachaelina's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This is very well written and I hated it. Now, I think I was supposed to hate most of the characters, but that doesn't draw me to the book. I do kind of wish that I had read a physical copy rather than listening to it as I think there were some things that seem long, boring, and extraneous that probably would have made more sense if I had had time to stop and think about them instead of being pulled along by a recording, but I don't wish that enough to read it again. I also don't recommend this recording as I don't think Maggie Gyllenhaal does a particularly good job of portraying the actual tone the characters are taking when speaking.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, and Abandonment
Moderate: War
Minor: Abortion
There is cheating and adultey all throughout this book. Not sure why there's not a warning tag for that.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
tiny_reader_bri's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I vowed that before 2024, I would finish Leo Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina. And after an arduous journey (817 pages 😭), I finally did.
I went into the book thinking it’d be about a passionate love affair that would withstand the test of time, but it was so much darker than that. Anna Karenina is such a fascinating character. I pitied, admired, and disliked her for some of the things she said and decisions she made. She gets ostracized from society after being unfaithful to her husband and engaging in an illicit affair with the proud Count Vronsky. Like Anna, I found him hard to like, but I pitied him nonetheless. Anna was incredibly troubled, often described an archetype of the “fallen woman,” in the sense that she lost God’s grace. There was some underlying misogyny towards Anna and the other female characters. I’m sure it was intentional. At least, I hope it was. Anna’s fate still haunts me a little bit, but I felt it looming before it happened.
The second protagonist, Levin, is slightly more likable. He certainly has his share of flaws and spends most of the book questioning the purpose of life and tends to seek this out by use of logic. Levin loves to think and that often keeps him from embracing spirituality and faith. That description sounds eerily familiar…
Levin and Anna have many similarities, but how they conduct themselves is different. Where Levin is able to have a healthy, loving relationship with his wife (Kitty), Anna and Vronsky are the equivalent of a dumpster fire. Maybe Tolstoy wanted to convey the difference between love and lust or truly loving someone vs loving the idea of them.
When I finished it, I didn’t know what to think. The ending felt anticlimactic to me, and I was disappointed because I invested so much time into it. But after spending some time away from it, I’ve decided I like it. It’s undeniable that Tolstoy is an incredible storyteller. He got a bit long-winded from time to time, but I learned that in his time, writers were paid according to their book’s word count. He wanted every penny. Can’t blame him, though.
I wouldn’t say Anna Karenina is a new favorite of mine, but I don’t regret reading it. I feel indifferent to the story, like after I read Wuthering Heights the first time. I suppose the heart of the novel points back to the epigraph: “Vengeance is mine; I will repay,” thus, the main characters get the ending they “deserve.” It’ll probably be 10 years before I read it again and I’m sure I’ll read it with different eyes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Suicide, and Toxic relationship
aude's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Infidelity, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Suicide attempt, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Child death, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Minor: Racial slurs, War, 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.aristarcodisamo's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
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
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Suicide, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Death, Domestic abuse, Misogyny, Grief, Pregnancy, and Gaslighting
Minor: Addiction, Alcoholism, and War
seapotatohowisitalrtaken's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Infidelity, Mental illness, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Violence, Grief, Toxic friendship, and Classism
Moderate: Sexual content and Pregnancy