Anna Karenina

Written by Leo Tolstoy · Translated by David Magarshack

Part of the Signet Classics series

A woman risks everything for love, challenging societal norms and personal fulfillment in 19th-century Russia.

4.1 Goodreads · 966,496 ratings

942 pages· 349,736 words· Est. 32.5 hour read· 1080L

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Bookroo's summary

In 19th-century Russia, Anna defies societal norms by leaving her stifling marriage for a passionate affair, risking her happiness and family status. Meanwhile, Levin, a self-doubting agnostic, seeks fulfillment and faith amidst societal repression. As their paths diverge, both grapple with the quest for love and purpose. Will Anna's pursuit of passion lead to ruin, and can Levin find meaning in a world of constraints? This tale of love, desire, and societal pressure explores the depths of human need and the search for a meaningful existence.

From the publisher

Leo Tolstoy’s evocative tale of doomed love–one of the greatest novels of the nineteenth century. Anna Karenina startled the world with its powerful portrayal of the human need for love and purpose. In a story that brings to vivid life nineteenth century Russia across various social classes, Anna renounces a respectable yet stifling marriage for a passionate affair that weighs her happiness against her love for her son, her family’s status and the rigid demands of society. Her story contrasts with that of Levin, a young self-doubting agnostic who takes a different journey to fulfillment and finds faith and satisfaction in an age of repression. Considered one of the greatest novels of the nineteenth century, Anna Karenina has been called Tolstoy’s spiritual autobiography. Anna and Levin personify Tolstoy’s lifelong struggle to reconcile his physical desires and intellectual ideals in order to create a more meaningful existence. Translated by David MagarshackIncludes an Introduction by Priscilla Meyer

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