Tuesday 19 August 2014

Anna Karenina


    
     Author                        Leo Tolstoy
     Country                      Russia
     Genre                         Fiction: Classic
     Publication Date       1877
     Pages                          864











One of the longest books I have read in the recent past. But a much awaited and wonderful read. I am amazed at Leo Tolstoy's ability to weave a beautiful story that touches upon love, insecurities and societal norms against the backdrop of Russian contemporary politics.

Through this book (first published in 1878), Leo Tolstoy has skillfully crafted the story of Anna, a high society woman who falls in desperate love with Count Vronsky and defies all societal norms to be with him (leaving behind a husband and a son). She is, however, not treated well by the society which almost completely shuns her while Vronsky continues to enjoy a social life. Interwoven with this is the tale of Levin who enlightens the readers on the Russian peasantry system and his search for a deeper meaning in life; while being married to the wonderful and sensitive Kitty.

What has particularly touched me about this book is how an intelligent, self assured and an almost formidable woman like Anna can fall prey to insecurities and jealously over her relationship with Vronsky. It's a classic case of how each of us harbour vulnerabilities within us; irrespective of the persona we present to the world at large. And it's no surprise that society plays an immense role in our sense of self esteem and worth. Having been shunned by the society, post her relations with Vronsky, Anna grows anxious and isolated. And this further fuels her already growing insecurity.
It is this insecurity over Vronsky's love for her and her nagging pain and guilt of having left her son 'motherless' that lead to her tragic end.

Life is not simple. It has it's shades of grey. Accepting the greys and cherishing what is brings along is my takeaway from this almost impeccable piece of literature.



If you are thinking of purchasing a copy of this book, try out my favorite site: www.lafalafa.com; an online shopping portal which brings together some awesome deals from all large e commerce sites (Flipkart, eBay, Snapdeal and the likes) while also offering additional cash back; which you only get if you go through Lafalafa and shop at any of your e commerce sites!  
You could use the link: http://bit.ly/1MJ4Fh5 to shop.
So, do check it out and Happy Reading! 



No comments:

Post a Comment