Lauren's bookshelf: currently-reading

Down Among the Dead Men
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tagged: currently-reading

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Wednesday 8 February 2012

Anna Karenina: A Book Review

To link my own challenge of every 5th book I read to be a classic, and the Tea and Book Challenge from Brigit at The Book Garden, I have just completed Tolstoy's Anna Karenina. My opinion of the book is somewhat divided. The first Russian novel I have read, I at times became confused with the characters whom at points appeared to have multiple names, first names, middle names, pet names and surnames. However, the main characters of the book were well described and came alive as you read the book, allowing you to sympathise, empathise and follow their musings intently.

What I found frustrating was the socio-economic-political thread, that I am sure was important at the time Tolstoy wrote the book, but I just wanted to know what happened to Anna!! I also found it strange that once Anna reached her tragic ending, not much more was mentioned, making me want to know what happened to her Husband and son and so forth. My favourite characters were Kitty and Levin, and the last 10% of the book is where I felt the threads of the story came together and it all became quite exciting.

It was a long read, that again I feel could have been shorter. Although not one of the best reads in my opinion, I did enjoy it and want to get to the end, and I think I will try some more russian literature.

xoxo