Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy (Penguin Classics)

“Anna Karenina” is a novel written by the Russian author Leo Tolstoy and first published in 1877. The novel tells the story of Anna Karenina, a married aristocrat who embarks on a passionate and tumultuous affair with a handsome army officer, Count Vronsky.

The novel is set against the backdrop of Russian society in the late 19th century, and explores themes of love, marriage, infidelity, social class, and morality. Through Anna’s story, Tolstoy examines the double standards of society towards men and women who engage in extramarital affairs, and the consequences of breaking the conventions of the time.

The novel also follows the parallel storylines of two other couples, Levin and Kitty and Dolly and Stiva, and their struggles to navigate the challenges of love, marriage, and family life.

One of the most notable aspects of “Anna Karenina” is Tolstoy’s vivid and nuanced portrayal of the characters, who are complex and multi-dimensional. Anna, in particular, is a compelling character, torn between her passion for Vronsky and her duty to her husband and son, and her eventual descent into despair and tragedy.

Tolstoy’s prose style is also noteworthy for its realism and attention to detail, capturing the nuances of everyday life and the social and cultural context of the time. His vivid descriptions of the Russian countryside and the social events of the aristocracy offer a rich and immersive reading experience.

Overall, “Anna Karenina” is a masterpiece of literature, a timeless exploration of human relationships and the complexities of the human heart. It has been widely acclaimed as one of the greatest novels ever written, and continues to be studied and enjoyed by readers around the world.