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Kimber Silver's Reviews > Anna Karenina
Anna Karenina
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by
Kimber Silver's review
bookshelves: classic, epic-reads, family-drama, favorites, must-read
May 02, 2019
bookshelves: classic, epic-reads, family-drama, favorites, must-read
"I think... if it is true that there are as many minds as there are heads, then there are as many kinds of love as there are hearts."
― Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina
As I drew back the cover and stepped into the world of the Russian aristocracy, I found myself entranced by the excess and proper etiquette. A realm of high society so foreign, so inviting, that I couldn’t turn away. My eyes devoured Tolstoy’s delicious words like the sweetest candy. The characters called me in, seating me in the front row where I would have the best view. The book became an electric moment in time as their stories bewitched me. I urged Levin not to give up on love. I watched on in disbelief as a perfectly beautiful Anna was overcome with a passion that turned her into someone she no longer knew. I was dumbfounded at how Vronsky, a man filled with selfish desire, could so easily tear apart everyone who came near him and soldier on as if it were merely another day. These three were only a tiny portion of the troupe that would dominate my mind as I became wrapped up in their fates as if they were my own..
Love and pain, two such opposite emotions, yet intricately tied to one another. These were the driving forces behind this fantastic tale. It was a study of connections and intense passions, that ran the gamut from husband and wife to the affection that a man has for his country. In the end, the weight was almost unbearable for each that leapt. No matter which kind of love, there is always a price, and they had to be willing to pay it.
Very soon after I started this book, I knew the tracks would no longer be there for many of my favorite characters and that I would plunge into the abyss along with them if I didn’t get off at the next stop. I couldn’t leave them. I needed to be a part of their world even if it ended badly. As much affection as this story gave, it equally took back in tears and heartbreak.
The story is brilliant, and I could never do it justice here. If you haven’t read Anna Karenina I urge you to put aside the fact that it is a very lengthy novel and take it up. I am forever changed.
― Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina
As I drew back the cover and stepped into the world of the Russian aristocracy, I found myself entranced by the excess and proper etiquette. A realm of high society so foreign, so inviting, that I couldn’t turn away. My eyes devoured Tolstoy’s delicious words like the sweetest candy. The characters called me in, seating me in the front row where I would have the best view. The book became an electric moment in time as their stories bewitched me. I urged Levin not to give up on love. I watched on in disbelief as a perfectly beautiful Anna was overcome with a passion that turned her into someone she no longer knew. I was dumbfounded at how Vronsky, a man filled with selfish desire, could so easily tear apart everyone who came near him and soldier on as if it were merely another day. These three were only a tiny portion of the troupe that would dominate my mind as I became wrapped up in their fates as if they were my own..
Love and pain, two such opposite emotions, yet intricately tied to one another. These were the driving forces behind this fantastic tale. It was a study of connections and intense passions, that ran the gamut from husband and wife to the affection that a man has for his country. In the end, the weight was almost unbearable for each that leapt. No matter which kind of love, there is always a price, and they had to be willing to pay it.
Very soon after I started this book, I knew the tracks would no longer be there for many of my favorite characters and that I would plunge into the abyss along with them if I didn’t get off at the next stop. I couldn’t leave them. I needed to be a part of their world even if it ended badly. As much affection as this story gave, it equally took back in tears and heartbreak.
The story is brilliant, and I could never do it justice here. If you haven’t read Anna Karenina I urge you to put aside the fact that it is a very lengthy novel and take it up. I am forever changed.
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Reading Progress
March 8, 2019
– Shelved
March 8, 2019
– Shelved as:
to-read
March 21, 2019
–
Started Reading
May 2, 2019
– Shelved as:
classic
May 2, 2019
– Shelved as:
epic-reads
May 2, 2019
– Shelved as:
family-drama
May 2, 2019
– Shelved as:
favorites
May 2, 2019
– Shelved as:
must-read
May 2, 2019
–
Finished Reading
Comments Showing 1-50 of 72 (72 new)
message 1:
by
Leila
(new)
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rated it 4 stars
Apr 23, 2019 09:59PM
Hope you are enjoying this one Kimberl It's a long time since I read it but seem to remember I struggled a bit with it. Happy reading.
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Leila wrote: "Hope you are enjoying this one Kimberl It's a long time since I read it but seem to remember I struggled a bit with it. Happy reading."Thank you so much, Leila! I am enjoying it, though it's very long, it's quite a tale! :-)
Ah, Kimber, thank you for the added incentive you've given me to get to this one. Lovely review!
I’m delighted that you enjoyed this praiseworthy classic, Kimber.Tolstoy was a master at creating a diverse set of characters and orchestrating their fascinating dynamics. Levin is the representation of Tolstoy himself and this magnificent novel is deserving of its billing as one of the best books ever written.
A superb review, Kimber. I loved the metaphor of the tracks suddenly disappearing into an abyss. Great imagery!
Wonderful review, Kimber! I didn't love this, but I read it some time ago. I think I might have to give it a go with fresh eyes!
Wow, Kimber. This review is heart-fully written. I may just make an exception for this classic. [I typically stay away from reading long, long novels and long, long book series.} You are very convincing and I also believe your are right about this book.
Cheri wrote: "Ah, Kimber, thank you for the added incentive you've given me to get to this one. Lovely review!"Thank you for the kinds words, Cheri! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! :-)
Kevin wrote: "I’m delighted that you enjoyed this praiseworthy classic, Kimber.Tolstoy was a master at creating a diverse set of characters and orchestrating their fascinating dynamics. Levin is the representat..."
Thank you for the wonderful compliment, Kevin! Coming from a magnificent writer such as yourself it means so much. :-) This book was quite something!
Meredith wrote: "Wonderful review, Kimber! I didn't love this, but I read it some time ago. I think I might have to give it a go with fresh eyes!"Thank you, Meredith! This book came along at the right time for me. I did love it. I hope if you give it another go, it sparkles for you too!
Deanna wrote: "An excellent review, Kimber!!!"Thank you, Deanna! :-)
Marita wrote: "Lovely review, Kimber."Thank you, Marita! :-)
Laysee wrote: "Wow, Kimber. This review is heart-fully written. I may just make an exception for this classic. [I typically stay away from reading long, long novels and long, long book series.} You are very convi..."How very kind of you, Laysee! Thank you! :-) It is very long but very worth the time. :-)
Outstanding review, Kimber. I've heard so much about this masterpiece, and after reading your wonderful review, I will definitely read it. It sounds divine! : )
Anthea wrote: "Outstanding review, Kimber. I've heard so much about this masterpiece, and after reading your wonderful review, I will definitely read it. It sounds divine! : )"Thank you so much, Anthea! It is a splendid story. I hope you love it too! :-)
Terrific review, Kimber! It’s been a long time since I read this one, and I remember enjoying it. Your review brought it right back to me!
Kimber, beautiful review! I read this a few years back with a book group and fell in love with the story too 💕
Terrific review of this unforgettable book, Kimber - such a pleasure to read how you experienced reading it.
Jennifer ~ TarHeelReader wrote: "Terrific review, Kimber! It’s been a long time since I read this one, and I remember enjoying it. Your review brought it right back to me!"Thank you, Jennifer! I'm glad I stuck it out. It was worth the time! :-)
JanB wrote: "Kimber, beautiful review! I read this a few years back with a book group and fell in love with the story too 💕"So kind of you, Jan! It's a story unlike any other. 💖
Ilse wrote: "Terrific review of this unforgettable book, Kimber - such a pleasure to read how you experienced reading it."Thank you, Ilse! I didn't expect to love it as much as I did. I can see why it's still popular today. :-)
As you, I thought the story was brilliant too Kimber. The only Tolstoy I've read, but very glad I picked it. Your review says it so well.
Ron wrote: "As you, I thought the story was brilliant too Kimber. The only Tolstoy I've read, but very glad I picked it. Your review says it so well."Thank you kindly, Ron! It was not was I was expecting, but exactly what I needed. :-)
Sandra wrote: "Fantastic review Kimber! :)"Thank you, Sandra! :-)
Awesome review, Kimber!
Elyse wrote: "Terrific review.... so beautifully expressed."Thank you, Elyse! It is such a deep story. 💖
Erin wrote: "Awesome review, Kimber!"Thank you, Erin!😊
Such a compelling review, Kimber. I hope to read it soon.
Such a beautiful review, Kimber! I definitely need to read this!!!
Excellent review, Kimber! What you said here describes it perfectly:Kimber wrote: "As much affection as this story gave, it equally took back in tears and heartbreak."
Barbara wrote: "Such a compelling review, Kimber. I hope to read it soon."I appreciate your kind words, Barbara! I look forward to your thoughts on this classic!😊
Cindy wrote: "Such a beautiful review, Kimber! I definitely need to read this!!!"Thank you kindly, Cindy! It is a fantastic story full of surprises.💖
Jaline wrote: "Excellent review, Kimber! What you said here describes it perfectly:Kimber wrote: "As much affection as this story gave, it equally took back in tears and heartbreak.""
I appreciate your kindness, Jaline! I was amazed at how much this story affected me. 😊
Wow, great review! You have a way with words. I might just give this one a shot!
Helen wrote: "Wow, great review! You have a way with words. I might just give this one a shot!"What a wonderful compliment, Helen! Thank you! I look forward to your thoughts if you decide to read this marvelous book. 😊
Great review, Kimber! I plan to pick up a copy soon.
Wendy wrote: "Great review, Kimber! I plan to pick up a copy soon."Thank you, Wendy! The time commitment is significant but so worth it! I'm anxious to see what you make of it!😊
Fantastic review, Kimber!
I have never read it but I will now. Such a poignant and beautiful review Kimber. It sounds utterly magnificent.
Paula wrote: "Fantastic review, Kimber!"Thank you, Paula!😊
Bren wrote: "I have never read it but I will now. Such a poignant and beautiful review Kimber. It sounds utterly magnificent."Wow, thank you, Bren! 🌹This story grabbed ahold of me and wouldn't let go. I didn't expect it to be so exciting!
I look forward to your review. 😃
Beautiful review, Kimber! It made me love the book all over again!
Michelle wrote: "Beautiful review, Kimber! It made me love the book all over again!"Thank you so much, Michelle!🌹
Maureen wrote: "Excellent review Kimber 🤗"Thank you, Maureen!🌸
I really hope to get to this one in the coming year, but the size of it is still a daunting prospect! Not that I haven't read other books with that many, but it's finding the right time on top of all that! I read your review, again, for inspiration!
Cheri wrote: "I really hope to get to this one in the coming year, but the size of it is still a daunting prospect! Not that I haven't read other books with that many, but it's finding the right time on top of a..."I'm so sorry I missed your wonderful comment, Cheri!
It is certainly a time investment, but well worth it.
Thank you for your kind words! I look forward to your review! :-)
Excellent! I think you wrote a perfect review, Kimber. There's something about Russian lit that often takes me hostage, too. The drama, the BIGNESS of it all!
Fantabulous review Kimber!!👍💋💕😉
