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John Rowe's avatar

I finished this book a couple of weeks ago. Some thoughts:

I don’t think I’ve read a more completely fleshed-out female character than Anna in my reading adventures. There is a sequence where she is descending into a pit of paranoia and depression that left me awestruck that an old man could write it. Also, there is a marital argument that had me cringing because it hit so close to home, both outwardly and inwardly. But there is also memorable romance too, between the characters of Levin and Kitty.

The book does end on an odd note that some say reveals Tolstoy’s misogyny, which is surprising given the depths of empathy he showed in the portrayal or Anna.

I don’t think I could have appreciated this book, as a man, without having lived several decades with a woman. I guess if young men want to learn what goes on in a woman’s head (not saying I’m an expert here!) they might want to read this book.

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Larisa Rimerman's avatar

I don’t know why, but I always pay attention to the people who read Russian writers. No, I think I know. I am happy because I love Russian literature so much that I am glad that somebody else enjoys it. I have always wanted to share something I know because Russian literature was my subject of study at the Russian University. So here I am: Konstantin Levin is Lev Tolstoy himself in the novel. He created the image of a positive nobleman, close to the Russian peasantry, having got him a last name made up of his first name. Sorry if you know that already.

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