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.
I think we all feel that way about the things we love. It’s one of the best ways to bond with other people in my opinion, over the things we love!
And yes, I have read about it, like even Levin comes from Lev, but it’s still a fun fact, so there’s no reason for you to say sorry. I love hearing about these details. I’m not a student of literature, so a lot I know about stories is actually from other people sharing them on the internet.
You are right. That is why we are here, on Substack. We share not only our love of reading, we share our opinions about books. But we also share our knowledge of literature, the connection between the writers' life and their novels or poetry. Like, who was Nastasia Fillipovna in Dostoevsky's life, or who was Prince Myshkin, and what was the meaning of his name? In Russian literature, the names often have meanings and explain the essence of literary characters.
I won't read the rest of your post until I have read Anna Karenina, I have a copy waiting for me on my bookshelf but I haven't had the time to read it yet lol! I think I am gearing myself up to read it as it looks so big 😂 I am looking forward to reading it after hearing that you enjoyed it though.
I have been reading The Remains of the Day this week by Kazuo Ishiguro and I am really enjoying it! What book are you planning on reading next? 😊📚
Anna Karenina felt like an epiphany so I decided I was done reading new fiction for the year. I’m reading the myth of Sisyphus now and am planning to read a christmas carol in the christmas week.
Also, yes please read Anna Karenina, don’t be intimidated by its volume, it’s actually a very easy read and also very interesting read
I actually picked up a copy of The Christmas Carol yesterday at my local second hand bookshop! I haven’t read it yet, but the copy was so pretty with illustrations throughout it I just had to get it 😊 I am planning to read it everyday with my family through December! ❄️🎄
I think Anna Karenina with be a 2025 book, I look forward to reading it! 📚
I hope you do get to re-read it soon, it’s definitely a book I’d love to re-read decades later (if I live that long) ad see how my thoughts about it evolve
wonderful review, Joyie. I too didn’t know about a Levin when I started the book 😂 maybe because in the movies, it’s all about Anna which I can understand because her plot is made more for TV. Whereas Levin’s plot is just more about contemplation.
I mean yes, he just... thinks a lot, not a lot of external drama to be seen on the screen.
This reminds me of when I found a movie adaptation of Camus' The Stranger and was like what are they going to show really? Most of it just bro going through an existential crisis inside his head 😂
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.
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.
I think we all feel that way about the things we love. It’s one of the best ways to bond with other people in my opinion, over the things we love!
And yes, I have read about it, like even Levin comes from Lev, but it’s still a fun fact, so there’s no reason for you to say sorry. I love hearing about these details. I’m not a student of literature, so a lot I know about stories is actually from other people sharing them on the internet.
You are right. That is why we are here, on Substack. We share not only our love of reading, we share our opinions about books. But we also share our knowledge of literature, the connection between the writers' life and their novels or poetry. Like, who was Nastasia Fillipovna in Dostoevsky's life, or who was Prince Myshkin, and what was the meaning of his name? In Russian literature, the names often have meanings and explain the essence of literary characters.
I won't read the rest of your post until I have read Anna Karenina, I have a copy waiting for me on my bookshelf but I haven't had the time to read it yet lol! I think I am gearing myself up to read it as it looks so big 😂 I am looking forward to reading it after hearing that you enjoyed it though.
I have been reading The Remains of the Day this week by Kazuo Ishiguro and I am really enjoying it! What book are you planning on reading next? 😊📚
Anna Karenina felt like an epiphany so I decided I was done reading new fiction for the year. I’m reading the myth of Sisyphus now and am planning to read a christmas carol in the christmas week.
Also, yes please read Anna Karenina, don’t be intimidated by its volume, it’s actually a very easy read and also very interesting read
I actually picked up a copy of The Christmas Carol yesterday at my local second hand bookshop! I haven’t read it yet, but the copy was so pretty with illustrations throughout it I just had to get it 😊 I am planning to read it everyday with my family through December! ❄️🎄
I think Anna Karenina with be a 2025 book, I look forward to reading it! 📚
Interesting take. I have Anna on my TBR, having not read it since I was a student in the 90s. I'm looking forward to revisiting it.
I hope you do get to re-read it soon, it’s definitely a book I’d love to re-read decades later (if I live that long) ad see how my thoughts about it evolve
wonderful review, Joyie. I too didn’t know about a Levin when I started the book 😂 maybe because in the movies, it’s all about Anna which I can understand because her plot is made more for TV. Whereas Levin’s plot is just more about contemplation.
I mean yes, he just... thinks a lot, not a lot of external drama to be seen on the screen.
This reminds me of when I found a movie adaptation of Camus' The Stranger and was like what are they going to show really? Most of it just bro going through an existential crisis inside his head 😂
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.