Book: Anna Karenina

I struggle to critique a book like Anna Karenina because I don't feel like I have much of anything to add to the conversation. Is the book a fascinating (if soap opera-esque) exploration of the psychology of love and relationships, the role of faith and morality in life, the synthetic culture of "high society" contrasted with the attempt at authenticity in a rural life? Yes, it's all of that? Does it get too bogged down in Russian agricultural practices, political conflicts, and that kind of stuff? Well, a little (at least when I'm attempting to read it fairly quickly; I'm sure there's lots of great symbolism to explore if I had a greater understanding of Russian history). But that doesn't stop it from being a fascinating look into marriage and relationships--and the myriad ways we can undermine or sabotage them.

The novel examines the interconnections, relationships, and loves between seven people who pair off in a variety of ways--friends, in laws, married couples, courting couples, extramarital couples, etc.--which gives Tolstoy ample room to explore a variety of attitudes towards love and marriage. Some of the characters view those two concepts as inseparably connected, while others see them as discrete concerns. It is this multitude of relationships and perspectives that allows the book to feel so rich and multifaceted. Even when two characters have a fight, Tolstoy will often devote a chapter to each character's point of view. That he can do so with so much empathy and clarity--even when one would suspect he disagrees with the characters' views--is part of what brings the book to life. He also follows these characters for an etended period of time, so we see them all grow (or at least change) over time. Kitty stands out to me as a particularly strong example, going from naive and coquettish flirt who could have her pick of the men to heartbroken girl who imagines her life as a spinster to mature and married wife and mother. Because Tolstoy gives us so much depth with each character, these developments feel earned and worthwhile. While several characters meet tragic fates, the novel also provides a measure of hope in the human ability to love and to connect. I like that.

Unfortunately, there were just sections that dragged as well. Sometimes the level of detail Tolstoy provides really enriches the story (Kitty's marriage, for example, was detailed and comical, but it still managed to be meaningful and sweet as well) but at other times it drags. I really do think I see part of what Tolstoy's doing with Levin repeatedly contemplating the merits of an agricultural lifestyle, but I'm not sure every passage of comparing farm practices is wholly necessary--at least to my ADD-infected 21st century mind. Still, by going onto the tangents and details he does, Tolstoy really does provide a panoramic picture of 1875ish Russian life, in all its variety. Such elaboration does provide plenty of food for thought.

Of the eponymous character, I have mixed feelings. Anna is certainly complex and multifaceted, but (as I think Tolstoy intended) my patience with her wears thin as the novel goes on. Her increasing selfishness and egotism do make her harder to empathize with. But Tolstoy does not leave her out in the cold completely, and he does show the value of finding real love, even as he doesn't shy away from the potential cost of such a selfish pursuit.

Because I think that's one of Tolstoy's themes here--that love is inherently selfish, and the only way we can prevent it from destroying us is by reining in such selfish tendencies and see a deeper level of love that can be selfless.

I mean, that's just one idea. But there are so many themes it would be silly to try and elaborate them here. I enjoyed Anna Karenina more than I expected, though it's still far behind Moby Dick for best of the year. A fascinating--if at times exhausting--read.

Grade: B+