Although the book is titled Anna Karenina, it explores more characters than just her. I would even go as far to to say that the main character is actually Levin.  The book is character driven, giving different point of views throughout with their feelings, flaws, and ideas. The ending is incredibly sad yet it does give you a hopeful reproach upon life and being alive but also questions existence itself and how actions and thought form the being of all of us.  This book was incredible and will have a lasting effect on the reader.