A story centered on the theme of pursuing love, a story that defies all rules, a story about doomed love, a story of tragic consequences, Anna Karenina has been regarded as a classic masterpiece in the field of literature and as Tolstoy’s ‘first true novel’. This classic has been admired through generations for its classic detail, beautiful setting and most importantly for its protagonist and main character, Anna, and the portrayal of estrangement, love, self destructive behaviour and paranoia.
The story opens with Tolstoy describing Anna, her unhappy married life and how she is dealing with her womanizing brother. An aristocrat and socialite in Russia, Anna moves with ease through her social circle. She falls in love with Count Vronsky, an affluent bachelor. Vronsky promises to marry her if she is willing to leave her present husband, Karenin, a government official. Anna battles social norms and leaves the country with her love, Count Vronsky, to start yet another chapter of her life.
The two lovers flee to Italy, breaking all social norms, to be with each other, only to find yet another series of social adjustment problems. They find it hard to adjust to the people and the place, and despite trying their best, return to the more familiar Russia. Back in her own country, Anna becomes more anxious and this time around, is more vulnerable imagining her love to be unfaithful to her. Vronsky, however, manages to continue smoothly and leads a proper social life.
Extremely detailed, simplistic, precise and brimming with different characters, Anna Karenina, is a saga of an unforgettable protagonist and heroine exploring some of the deepest questions about how to deal with life and how one can live a fulfilling life. The author gives it a personal touch by intricately describing his setting, while he describes the countryside, or his characters.
A story about love, faith, marriage, infidelity, social stigma, hypocrisy, passion and much more, Anna Karenina is a powerful portrayal of the journey of a woman trying to find her place in the world.
