My review of Anna Karenina, by Leo Tolstoy

Anna Karenina

by Leo Tolstoy

My rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Leo Tolstoy's Anna Karenina is one of the most gorgeous rides I've had. 

This is the tragic Russian tale of a married aristocratic socialite's affair with wealthy Count Vronsky. It also follows country landowner Konstantin Levin, who wants to marry Kitty, sister-in-law of Anna's brother Oblonsky. Events unfold against a backdrop of rapid change resulting from the reforms of Emperor Alexander II. Tolstoy's use of real historic events lend authenticity to the fictional events of his characters.

Impacting on these characters' lives and thoughts are such innovations as jury trials, elected local governments, railroads, banks, telegraph, increasing public awareness due to a freer press, and a class reshuffle as the ruling aristocracy becomes gradually upstaged by the emerging business class.

Accordingly, the narrative examines Russia's then feudal system, politics, religion, morality, gender and class structure. Themes include hypocrisy, jealousy, faith, fidelity, family, marriage, society, progress, carnal desire and passion, and personal connection to one's land.

At approximately a thousand pages divided into eight parts, this is narrated in third person, shifting between characters but focusing on the opposing attitudes and lifestyles of protagonists Anna and Levin. The tone alters according to character telling the story. Stepan Oblonsky's thoughts and actions are delivered in a markedly relaxed manner, while Levin's social encounters are decidedly tense (this character being sometimes thought Tolstoy's semi-autobiographical portrayal of himself). Part seven, depicting Anna's thoughts and ruminations, makes groundbreaking use of that stream-of-consciousness fluidity later adopted by greats like James Joyce, Virginia Woolf and William Faulkner. 

Fyodor Dostoyevsky declared this 'flawless as a work of art'. Vladimir Nabokov concurred, admiring the 'flawless magic of Tolstoy's style'. I agree with both. I felt as if I was in the story, a bystander, a participant.

Many adaptations have eventuated, including operas, ballets and stage and radio plays, some of them jarring. A popular standout was the 1935 movie starring Greta Garbo, Fredric March, Basil Rathbone and Maureen O'Sullivan. Another was the 1977 BBC series, starring Nicola Pagett, which in ten parts successfully covered so much more than any single sitting attempt. Ardent Tolstoy fans, who often insist that no screen version has captured the genius of his writing, may be biased but correct.

Tough going at times but worth every minute. I was like a kid after Christmas when I closed the last page.