Since I was a child, I have always been complimented on being a voracious reader. Naturally, I wanted to continue to impress others so when I was recommended this book, I seized the chance. The problem was, I was only 13. The book seemed boring and nothing made sense. So, I reluctantly gave up on it. In high school, I chanced by it again. This time, I was determined to read it and understand it so that I could at least see why so many people love this book. And this time, I finished it.
The general theme of the story is about family. But saying this would be overly simplifying it. It is a story that shows both the breakdown and the building of a family and all of the events that could lead to such things happening. The novel starts off with a scene of betrayal: Prince Stepan Arkadyevich Oblonsky (Stiva) has been discovered to be unfaithful to his wife, Dolly, who now wishes to leave him. When Stiva receives a letter informing him that his sister, Anna Karenina (who is married), will be visiting him, he is relieved; she may be able to convince his wife to forgive him.
Meanwhile, Stiva’s friend, Lenin, has traveled from the countryside to Moscow to propose to Dolly’s younger sister, Kitty, whom he has loved for quite a while. However, to his dismay, he discovers that she is already in love with and is being courted by someone else, a military officer by the name of Vronsky. He decides to take his time and pursue her anyways.
At this time, Anna Karenina has arrived in Moscow and as she disembarks from the train, she happens to meet Vronsky, who is immediately smitten by her. And Anna, although remembering that she is a married woman with a son, cannot help but be drawn to Vronsky.
So begins a love affair that will shake the lives of all the individuals in the novel.
When I read it the second time in high school, I absolutely loved it. The story is so complex and there are so many characters to fall in love with. Lenin’s sincerity, Kitty’s childishness, and the selfish yet compelling love story between Vronsky and Anna will pull you in. I will admit that there were times when characters discussed politics and although it may seem unnecessary, it stands to describe the personalities and thought processes of each of the characters, which is an amazing feature of this novel. I love how believable and ALIVE these characters are; human emotions are captured beautifully in this novel.
Read this novel. Take your time and go through it thoroughly; let yourself have the full reading experience. Don’t skim, don’t miss anything. This novel is worth every minute.
Happy reading ~