The must-have Pevear and Volokhonsky translation of one of the greatest Russian novels ever written Described by William Faulkner as the best novel ever written and by Fyodor Dostoevsky as “flawless,” 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 thereby … passionless marriage and thereby exposes herself to 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 qualities of Tolstoy’s writing, Pevear and Volokhonsky have produced a translation true to his powerful voice. This authoritative edition, which received the PEN Translation Prize and was an Oprah Book Club™ selection, also includes an illuminating introduction and explanatory notes. Beautiful, vigorous, and eminently readable, this Anna Karenina will be the definitive text for fans of the film and generations to come. This Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition also features French flaps and deckle-edged paper.
For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.
more
Makes me want to read “War and Peace”
THIS STORY IS TRAgic but wonderful, I loved every word, not to be missed. Looooooong.
Gives the reader a picture of Russian and European life in my great grandparents time. Women’s roles and class separation.
A true classic.
gotta read Tolstoy.
Really drawn out
Love and culture are interweaved by Leo Tolstoy. It makes for an exciting and sad novel which all means adventure.
Anna Karenina is the first “big book” in classical literature that I ever finished. I think it actually took me 3 years to read! Yet, I still remember it fondly because I loved the characters, the world I became immersed in, and the feeling of accomplishment I felt when I finished. Afterwards, it gave me the courage to tackle other big books in classic literature and taught me that it’s okay to be a slow reader.
I specifically enjoyed this edition: https://www.amazon.com/Karenina-Oxford-Classics-Hardback-Collection-ebook/dp/B00LJ48BOI/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=anna+karenina+Rosamund+Bartlett&qid=1556692925&s=digital-text&sr=1-1-catcorr
This novel defines the genre of literary realism, of life as shaped by the forces of passion but constrained by morals, marriage, and money. It’s one of the classics, but it breathes the air we all inhale.
A great read
I don’t know how I turned 64 before reading it, don’t make the same mistake, read it next. Truly as much about Russian culture/society as about romance. Anna is only one of two or three main characters. Interesting that it is pre-revolutionary, post-serf.
What can you say about one of the greatest books ever written.
The adjectives above cannot in any way describe this book
What can you say about a classic; that it is wonderful and beloved worldwide is well known. Don’t be afraid that it is a classic, it is very approachable, don’t be afraid that it so long. It never drags in pace and is a wonderful, tragic love story. You will remember it and the stories long of the many characters long after you close the final page. Highly recommended.
It was really good except for the tepid ending.
The language and text were explicit. The story was not as compelling as the writing. As with any classic, I’m richer for reading it.
I’m not sure how I’ve not read Tolstoy previously. Ana Karenina is a precious tale of romance that is as relevant today as over a century ago.
Marvelous read. Wished I had read it long ago. I would like to read other classics.
Anna Karenina is memorable because it is marvelous. The angst created in the plot draws the reader in as tragedy unfolds. The time setting is romantic, the characters are believable, a classic love triangle forms, and adultery occurs. There is a son, whom both parents love, caught in the middle. What would you do for the love of a man and the love of a chlld? Anna struggles with these issues, bringing up problems that exist today, even in a less rigid society. Will she stay with her lover ? Can she keep her son with her ? Will her husband allow her to do what she wants ? You will have to read the book to find the answers. it’s a classic !
Too long ago to remember. Just very well written.