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nyah_lou's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Racism
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.margauxreadit's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism and Suicide
heidi_meredith's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
As soon as I started this, I felt I'd rated my previous book too highly. Tolstoy has such incredible and witty insight into human nature. I'd never noticed before how similar he is to Austen, albeit she works more through dialogue than monologue.
I found Levin and Dolly most relatable for me. 'All day she felt as if she were acting in a theatre with better actors than herself, and that her bad performance was spoiling the whole affair.'
It is interesting to see the parallel journeys that Anna and Levin make in their quests for meaning and to note the similarities in some of their lines of thought, but their very different outcomes.
I found Levin and Dolly most relatable for me. 'All day she felt as if she were acting in a theatre with better actors than herself, and that her bad performance was spoiling the whole affair.'
It is interesting to see the parallel journeys that Anna and Levin make in their quests for meaning and to note the similarities in some of their lines of thought, but their very different outcomes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide
Minor: Racism
olivemypuns's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Animal death and Racism
reebeee's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-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
4.75
What can I say about this novel that hasn't already been said? The slow pace and long page count pay off in the moving, detailed, realist prose and narrative. Much of the historical and social context went over my head, and I wish I had read this in a class or guided reading group to fully gasp its intricacies. While it's one of the best books I've read this year, it wasn't one that I always enjoyed reading, thus the slightly docked rating.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Racism and Antisemitism
madsness's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
sad
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
4.5
One of my favorite books I read this fall. I truly think if you are going to choose a longer Tolstoy work that this is the one to go with. It's all about love, god, and truly one of the most insane breakdowns I've ever seen in my life. While the farming parts are oh-so-slow, I have to admit they are masterfully done. Take your time and try to chunk it out!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Infidelity, Violence, and War
Minor: Racism, Xenophobia, and Antisemitism
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
mothie_girlie's review against another edition
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Misogyny, and Racism
Minor: Racial slurs and Suicide
novelyon'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? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
anna's narrative slapped but levin was so boring, and worse, a landlord.........the peasants should've killed him the way the serfs did fyodor dostoevsky's dad :/
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Infidelity, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide
Moderate: Drug use, Pregnancy, and Classism
Minor: Child death, Racism, Sexual content, Antisemitism, and War