Book review - Reading the Classics:ANNA KARENINA

Ever since I got my Literati ereader, I've been reading quite bit. I always was an avid reader as a child but my reading has taken a hit in recent times, so pretty much I've only been reading for school, kids' bedtime or a quick magazine and of course, online. I really consider the ereader to be one of the best uses of technology in recent times. So the Literati came loaded with 25 classics. If you think the classics are obsolete, think again my friends! You know the old saying, the more things change, the more they stay the same. So far, I have read Alice in Wonderland and Anna Karenina. I am currently reading The Scarlet Letter. 

Let me just tell you about Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy. If you love a good plot with unforgettable characters that is never boring and that touches on every aspect of life then this is the book for you. 

                      

Leo Tolstoy is an amazing writer! Each character is so well developed that it is clear that Tolstoy had a deep understanding of the human psyche. He starts with the long married couple, Stefan and Dolly with lots of children. Dolly works hard in the home and lives for her children. Stefan is a real people-person with the big personality that everyone likes- of course he is also a philandering womanizer, but did I mention that everyone likes him? Even as Dolly complains that she has sacrificed herself for the sake of the family and has let herself go while she takes care of her household and laments that Stefan has maintained his looks and is always the life of the party and obviously does not love her, you still genuinely like the husband. Tolstoy does a fantastic job of going into Dolly's mind as she vacillates between staying and leaving while Stefan is only upset that he actually got caught having an affair. 

         

Stefan relies on his sister Anna Karenina to put in a good word for him. As soon as Anna Karenina rolls into town, it is obvious that there is something special about her. Everyone likes her brother but everyone loves Anna Karenina! She has this mysterious quality that makes men fall in love with her and a personality that makes women admire her, so it's no wonder that the young Count Vronsky fall in love at first sight. He becomes a man possessed and soon they are embroiled in a hot romance. Did I mention that she is married? To an older man? Gets pregnant for the young Count? Runs off and leaves her husband and son? 

          

Tolstoy is a master! He has not lost his relevance for modern readers. He touches on religion, politics, gender inequality, love, passion, human nature- you name it, he examines it. And in plain language that you can understand. I give this book two thumbs up! If you haven't thought about reading the classics, give Anna Karenina a go. Tolstoy will not disappoint. Leave me a comment about the book. There's nothing better that a good book discussion.

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