Anna Karenina (Oprah’s Book Club)
June 18, 2008
Anna Karenina tells of the doomed love affair between the sensuous and rebellious Anna and the dashing officer, Count Vronsky. Tragedy unfolds as Anna rejects her passionless marriage and must endure the hypocrisies of society. Set against a vast and richly textured canvas of nineteenth-century Russia, the novel’s seven major characters create a dynamic imbalance, playing out the contrasts of city and country life and all the variations on love and family happiness. While previous versions have softened the robust, and sometimes shocking, quality of Tolstoy’s writing, Pevear and Volokhonsky have produced a translation true to his powerful voice. This award-winning team’s authoritative edition also includes an illuminating introduction and explanatory notes. Beautiful, vigorous, and eminently readable, this Anna Karenina will be the definitive text for generations to come.
Customer Review: A Masterpiece that is worth the effort
This new translation of Anna Karenina is amazing! I have tried to read the other versions twice but found it difficult. I am thrilled about this new translation. Don’t let the 800 pages daunt you. Tolstoy is a master of understanding human emotions and psychology. He portrays these characters so vividly, with such nuances that one is wrapped up in the story. A sensitive, refined person will appreciate this book and the story will leave an deep impression of Russia in Tolstoy’s day.
Customer Review: Couldn’t put it down
Anna Karenina is a masterpiece! Tolstoy’s writing style is unlike modern novels; rich in detail without being overly wordy. Amazingly while reading I felt as though I was a fly on the wall in the Russia he recreates- observing the characters and plot nearly as a participant. Tolstoy’s character descriptions jump off the page, making the plot seem like the reader’s reality.
Although the story is somewhat somber and the plot is fatalistic, it is a clear view into the social and moral obligations of the late 19th century. When protagonist, Anna Karenina decides to leave her husband Alexi Alexandrovich for another man and a new life, we are introduced to the unequal struggle men and women faced in law and society after being unfaithful. Although the theme is strong throughout we are not tied down to that single plot, we are also swept along in parallel stories of class struggles, political pressure and even the day to day tasks of local farmers.
Very enjoyable novel, I would even read it again! Buy from here…
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