Anna Karenina - contains spoilers

[FeManJay]

There is a movie coming out soon called Anna Karenina. This movie is based on the classic novel by Leo Tolstoy.

And that's about all I know.
I saw the movie on my list of 100 books to read for next year (I try to read one hundred books a year and I started working on my list early this year, for next year's book list) and when I was at the movies recently the title sparked my memory and I decided to read this one early.
So I am inviting anyone else on here who would like to read the novel (or anyone who already has) to team up with me and prepare for the upcoming movie by getting to know the real story told by Leo Tolstoy. Then, when you have finished, come back here and write what you thought of it. Perhaps when the movie comes out, we can also compare the two? That can always be fun and scary....
I'm not going to say when you have to have read it by. I don't even know when I'm going to finish it as I am in the process of planning a wedding. However, when you start to notice that people are posting reviews, maybe don't read any further until you have finished it.
So thanks to anyone who would care to discuss and good luck to anyone who decides to take on the challenge, and happy reading to everyone, no matter what the read may be.

[Phoenix98]

FeManJay, thanks for pointing out that this classic has a new movie rendition coming out. I'll have to look it up. I have seen three of the old ones, and there may be about that many more.

I've been reading the book (should say slogging through) for about three months. I am about 60% done. It really had my attention at the first. Anna gets her portrait done about halfway, and that's where it has started to percolate again. Eventually I will finish. Probably if I hadn't seen the movie to know something about the end I'd be more into it.

The book caught my attention after reading War and Peace, which was a bit more enjoyable.

As to personal benefit, I have been helped by expanding my awareness of the social developments in early-twentieth century Russia that led to the advent of Communism. Tolstoy died before the revolution, but it is clear from his writings--esp. AK--that he was sympathetic. There is a character in the book, Levin, who is intent on a more scientific approach to Russian agriculture, one that would involve government involvement and would become a great social experiment. We now know that the socialist takeover of farming and other industries created tremendous suffering for the peasants of Russia, who were supposed to have become great benefactors.

In addition to this helpful educational insight, the book provides me some enjoyable reflection, and even a bit of entertainment. If you could possibly read it before seeing the movie, you will probably appreciate the book more.

[gerif]

I've also been slogging through Anna Karenina for about a month. I heard about the movie after I had started the book, so I'm anxious to finish so I can watch the movie.

I've read this book before, but don't remember much about it. Wonder what that means.

It's interesting, I like seeing what people did at that time and place, what they thought, what they talked about.

Actually, I picked this book after reading a book by Pat Conroy about his life's readings. He raved about Tolstoy, a whole chapter on how he could pick the right words and phrases. I didn't understand how he could say that since Tolstoy's books were translated...maybe the translator should get the praise (I know, got off topic).

[Twins2223]

I have always been curious about this book..About a month ago I started reading it however my little one got sick and I haven't had time to get back to it. I saw that the movie is out now but I am bound and determined to finish the book before I watch the movie !!! I did the same with a few other classics as well. It seems like I enjoy the books more than the movies but after watching the movies I end up understanding parts that were unclear in the books.

[Fran]

I have always been curious about this book..About a month ago I started reading it however my little one got sick and I haven't had time to get back to it. I saw that the movie is out now but I am bound and determined to finish the book before I watch the movie !!! I did the same with a few other classics as well. It seems like I enjoy the books more than the movies but after watching the movies I end up understanding parts that were unclear in the books.

I just love this book & I love the character of Anna.
The 2012 movie version is IMO an interesting interpretaion which I quite liked but I would suggest one of the older versions especially the 1948 (with Vivien Leigh as Anna) if you want something closer to the book.

[Phoenix98]

....The 2012 movie version is IMO an interesting interpretaion which I quite liked but I would suggest one of the older versions especially the 1948 (with Vivien Leigh as Anna) if you want something closer to the book.

Ditto

[Marengo]

Ahhhhhh, Anna Karenina, the ONLY book that has ever made me cry.

[mae]

A friend of mine read this book and didn't like it at all. In fact, your post is the first time I've seen this book acknowledged as something better than awful. I feel like I should read it now, thanks!

[Marengo]

I think Tolstoy was the master! Very intense and heart wrenching.

[angie_vazquez86]

This is one of the books that portraits Russia, and the situation of high class women during the nineteen century in a very intimate way. It is so intense to witness Anna's decadency when she doesn't follow the rules of society. In this atmosphere, there is not room for love or free thinking.

[kittyrdb]

I have read this book twice with two different translations, which I have found very interesting. If you ever have the time, I would suggest reading at least a few chapters from a different translation. The two translations both gave the same story, but I found that Tolstoy's writing style was very different depending on which translation. And if anyone has read it in Russian, I would love to hear what they think about the book.

The 2012 movie version is IMO an interesting interpretaion which I quite liked but I would suggest one of the older versions especially the 1948 (with Vivien Leigh as Anna) if you want something closer to the book.

I think this is true, but they're true to the book in different regards. 2012 picked up on some of the more subtle details in the book than 1948 did (although you have to be paying very close attention to catch them, and it's probably best if the book is still fresh in your mind when you watch it). 2012 also picked up more of the Levin & Kitty story than 1948 did (I think. It has been a while since I've seen 1948).

[makenahulme]

I absolutely love this book and Anna is a very dynamic character.

[GKCfan]

I often get upset that Levin's half of the story is often ignored and overlooked.

[Sveta]

Ironically I read it twice: I loved the book when I was in middle school (yes, I was about fifteen when I first read it,) but when I read it as a twenty-seven year old, I didn't like it, and yet I should have liked it more because I had familiarity with Russian culture and so forth...

[cschaubfalls]

I often get upset that Levin's half of the story is often ignored and overlooked.

I agree. I very much enjoyed this book, but couldn't help thinking how much more there is to the story than just Anna's part. I was very moved by Levin's thoughts and feelings which are so richly described in the book and not easy to potray in a movie.