Re-reading my favorite book: Anna Karenina!!!

[@francescaroel2533]

I, too, learned to love Alexey Karenin the second time I read the novel. Perhaps he's not the husband Anna wants but he isn't cruel or mean or this machine which we see from Anna's perspective. He's actually very forgiving, given his situation, and I think he does try to warm up to Anna but because Anna doesn't see that, we forget that Karenin isn't the true antagonist of the novel and instead dislike him as Anna does.

[@zoelane9366]

Right! I think the true antagonists of the novel are the societal views of the time and the unequal treatment of women. For Anna, I think Karenin symbolises and embodies this societal oppression even though he is not an entirely bad person in himself and she is blind to his good qualities. My view!

[@raina2319]

I liked him the first time😁😁. But I do hate how Anna treats him. I think they got married because of that aunt who made her match and she was never in love with him and then comes to hate him for no reason.

[@ΓεώργιοςΓαλανάκης-ν5ω]

But almost all his reasons were "what they'll say?!", "what the society will say about us?!". I don't hate him. I feel pity for him. Karenin isn't mature enough. Classic statesman. I agree with the first person who responded to your text. Karenin embodies the false societal critic. That's his only mistake, which created multiple mistakes

[@tobiasyoder]

It’s funny my experience was quite different, I immediately sided with Karenin and it really wasn’t until Anna’s beautifully written suicidal when I felt somewhat penitent for being so hard toward Anna. Wonder if it’s typical for guys and girls to lean different directions initially, Tolstoy really does a great job of being balanced.

[@anaquil]

i didnt like him in the beginning, but I ended up feeling bad for him and started to hate Anna instead

[@vasilisashakurova743]

I hated Stiva. The book literally starts with him cheating on his wife. It was so unfair that he got away with it but everyone treated Anna so badly for basically the same thing. Although unlike Stiva, she really loved Alexey

[@thegrimmreader3649]

exactly!

[@jodi9718]

I’m so glad that you changed your perspective on Karenin! I always feel so bad for him and feel like he gets some undeserved hate from a lot of readers. He’s actually always been one of my favorite characters. Anyway, I love this video and your excitement about this book. Can’t wait for the debate!! (:

[@ayeshazafar1641]

So true!! I just love Karenin.

[@eu_balaena]

I love him too 💔

[@carolinaao3075]

But he seems so cold, he was “good” to Ana but I cant imagine the solitude she must feel. My favorite character is Levin too, I’ll read the book one more time and se If I change my mind.

[@andreastojanovic]

@@carolinaao3075 He grew up without loving family which caused some trauma for him. He just didn't know how to express his emotions. However, he was trying act good all the time. We can see how generous he was at the end of the book, when he accepts Ana's daughter as his own.

[@carolinaao3075]

@@andreastojanovic I don’t think he was evil, even in the end I found myself surprised by that action. But reading by Anna’s perspective influenced me, I cannot deny that. Maybe I’m too romantic and his lack of affection bothered me. Does it make sense? But I do need to read it again :) it’s been a while now.

[@sds7613]

Your enthusiasm for books always makes me truely happy and motivated to read! Thanks for sharing it.❤

[@isaa1782]

I liked Karenin the first time reading the book (so it's even more interesting to me that others saw him like Anna). For me they were the perfect example of miscommunication and people being a mismatch. I could see why Anna hated Karenin and perceived him the way she did. But I could also see and like who he really was. I think today's readers feel like they have to "choose" either Karenin or Vronsky and see the other as the antagonist of the story. But there simply was none except for society itself

[@Chelseabea]

This is super interesting to me because I'm reading this for the first time and I really like Karenin! I found myself disagreeing with Anna's description of him, and similarly to you I thought hearing about him through her gave a very biased view of him. He is one of my favourite characters! Especially as you get further into it and understand him more!

[@ProseAndPetticoats]

My favourite is Notre-Dame de Paris by Victor Hugo and I have about 15 editions - I'm not even ashamed 🤣 I absolutely relate to 'being born to read a book.' ♡

[@LizziebelleXOX]

Great video Carolyn and definitely it’s perfectly ok to have several editions of your favourite book 📚😊 awww skittles is the cutest little thing 💕💕

[@rana2804]

I just finished war and peace and I felt exactly what you felt reading Anna Karenina, I think it is Leo Tolstoy thing to make you feel that you’re meant to read his books, I speak two languages and I have never read something like War and Peace he is really a genius

[@lillieblack9702]

Lovely video Carolyn! I love how much you love Anna Karenina. I feel the same way about a lot of books. I have so many new books I want to read but I still prefer to reread my favorites over and over. I just ordered a new box set of my favorite book series and I'm over the moon about it. Can't wait to get them in the mail!!

[@subtlefire7256]

I agree with what you say about feeling "born to read a book". I don't believe in predestination or anything like that, but sometimes the right story enters your life at the right time. I sometimes get that very specific feeling when I see a book and suddenly think "I should read you". It has led me to some of my absolute favourites, books that touched me and influenced me, Anna Karenina being one of them. It doesn't happen very often, but I've learned to trust that instinct. Also I LIVE for the Levin fangirling 😄

[@AliceStivanello]

i feel the same way as you ! every time i reread my fav book (the picture of dorian gray) i get chills and i really feel like i was born just to read that book :)

[@rjebe101]

Anna Karenina is also my favorite book, but it hasn't always been so. I first read AK (garnet) in my mid=twenties. I found it to be a bit of a slog, but after finishing the book I felt as if I had read a book well worth reading.. I reread the book again in my 60's, and fell in love with it. The book hadn't changed-I had. If you haven't already, you might watch Baz Luhrman's version of Anna. It doesn't cover the whole story. I think it should have been subtitled "Scenes from the book." The movie seemed to have been made for readers of the book only.

[@mrodriguez377]

In response to your speaking about that specific feeling your favorite book gives you, this year I started reading Ferrante’s Neapolitan Novels and I’m halfway though the series. I was definitely meant to read these books. They make me feel so much. I already have the next book in the series but my heart’s not ready yet. But I already want to reread them all.

[@sds7613]

I definitely feel you when you say I was born to read this. For me one of those books is "Anne of green gables"

[@neverbored]

Your second pronouncination is the correct one (first "A" is pronounced exactly like last "a" in Anna). Love your vlogs!

[@veronikaandrasi14]

i've read it for the first time this june and i really liked karenin ! i think he's quite misunderstood among readers because we can't help but see through anna's perspective perhaps. regardless, i found his character one of the most interesting ones :))) glad you learned to love him too

[@angelaislam4529]

I am sooo intimidated to read Anna Karenina but how you speak of it, makes me want to read it right this second!

[@bookworm8624]

I feel the same about a re-read of my favorite book jane eyre! I'm scared that I will not love it as much as I did. I also know now that a couple of people don't like some aspects of the book and I can see why but I hope that it will not affect my love for the story 😊 I can't wait to receive my Tolstoy portrait from you, it is beautiful ❤ Whish you all the best and I hope you have a wonderful re-reading experience!

[@Sadie896]

This is my first read of Anna Kerenina and I feel so sad for Alexei and what he's forced to live with. I feel Anna is selfish, unfeeling, and feels the whole world evolves around her. His wife's lover coming to the house... The part where she's glad Alexei finally knew the truth so that now she wasn't feeling so tortured. Alexei could've destroyed her and her reputation but didn't. He uses work to escape the reality that he loves her but she doesn't love him. It's sad. Team Alexei!

[@cindyurban150]

Hi Carolyn, I am reading "Anna" for the first time.I love the book,and although I'm on the last few chapters,I can tell you I never felt disdain for Alexei. I always felt compassion,and pity for him.He is such a complex character. He is described more by his physical features,rather than his good heart. He wants things to work out so badly,and Anna is so cold hearted to him,especially when she has Vronsky come to the house ! The tenderness that Alexei shows to the baby of his enemy is so eye opening of his character ! I don't want to burst your bubble about your "Love" for Levin,but I see his character as a weak man. Especially during the "Hunting" scene.He has to prove himself by hunting for more birds than the visiting Veslovsky. He is also unsure of himself when it comes to Kitty's love for him. I have mixed feeling for Anna,she is her own enemy,she has created her own Hell,and for all those around her. My favorite character is Alexei,he remains true to himself,and is trying to show forgiveness through all the hardships Anna has put him through.He is a Strong character with many complicated facets. The book should've been named after him ! Thank you for recommending this book, I will now look into War and Peace ! Happiness, Cindy 🌻

[@bethnoel1148]

I get the feeling when I read "A thousand splendid suns" by Khaled Hosseini. My whole being vibrates for the characters

[@yeukyinzhao6814]

oh my gosh ive just started reading anna karenina because of you, and im loving it so so so much! cant wait for another spicy dickens vs Tolstoy debate from you and emma!

[@tejaswinisureshkrishnan4228]

I've never seen anyone who loves Anna Karenina more🥰🥰🥰

[@marvinfarr1846]

Oh Carolyn I loved watching you discuss this book. You had me in tears at times and laughing at other times. I read the book after learning about your debates. You had already done War and Peace. I had plenty of time to read Anna so I ordered it. It is a wonderful book. For me it was a devastating story in many ways. I felt badly for the children of Anna. To be honest I felt like there was something wrong with how I was experiencing the story because pretty quickly I knew I did not like Anna. And here the book is named for her!? I completely feel as you do now during your second reading. I will be anxious to see how you feel as you get to the end. Levin is also my favorite character of the book. I look forward to seeing your next vlog, your debate and my second reading of Anna Karenina. Wishing you happy reading!! Patricia

[@СергейИванов-е8ч6п]

Such a lovely composition of literature and nature, music and art.

[@nozabusa]

Russian culture is fab. I love the little kids at 5 years just standing up and quotes Pushkin like that. And I can recommend going to st Petersburg it's such a beautiful city.

[@davidcornetta2918]

I just finished Anna Karenina for the first time last night and as you know, it was amazing. A real masterpiece that (though it took a little while to get into for myself) I fell in love with.

[@zeyno4391]

Love this! After finishing Anna Karenina myself, i surely will come back to watch the last few minutes 😻

[@Ricky-es9vg]

I finished this book today, was deeply moving. Loved it

[@sherylmorris9646]

I love also to listen to all comments from KZbin bloggers. It is as good as being a part of a book club. They are book friends. We share intimate passion for the same book and books, maybe for different reasons. Their insights are eye opening for me.

[@july3817]

I felt kind of like that when I read Jane Eyre for the first time. What still amazes me about classics is that I sometimes have a really strong emotional response towards what's happening. Even though there were parts of Jane Eyre that weren't my favorite, I still enjoyed every page. It's kind of like love where you don't necessarily feel butterflies 24/7, but you still can't imagine your life without them. Even in not so, pleasant times. I also definitely need to read Anna Karenina now, but it's so long and that kind of intimidates me. However, I have read like 700 pages already this month and it's only the 14th. I'm also intimidated by the long list of characters and the names as I probably won't be able to know who is who until the last chapter. I also would like to annotate it, but my penguin clothbound edition has really thin pages. Well, I guess I'll find a solution.

[@noemiethibault139]

I’m reading Anna Karenina for the first time. I keep sympathizing then unsympathizing then sympathizing again with each of the characters, in particular Anna, Vronsky, and Alexey. Especially Alexey! I felt like he was never really good at dealing with his emotions in the first place (when he would get irritated and shut down when faced with someone’s visible suffering) and he was the least apt to deal with the emotional turmoil that comes with an affair. And I felt bad that Anna mistakes that ineptness for him simply being cold and unfeeling! I wish she’d be more gracious in her perception of him, but she’s also got a complex set of emotions she’s dealing with when it comes to her husband, the affair, and her place in society. There are actions that each character takes that I disagree with, but Tolstoy writes about his characters with such empathy that I can’t truly dislike any of them, especially Anna and even Stiva. But I’m only halfway through so we’ll see :P I wasn’t too fond of Levin at first, esp knowing he’s a self insert, but he’s growing on me. I am, as of now, loving Alexey but still sympathizing with Anna and Vronsky even though the end of Part 4 boggled my mind. Reading this book feels so meditative. Even on the chapters that I should be bored by, like that mowing chapter or Tolstoy going on about his farming theory centered around the labourer, I wasn’t. I’m completely engrossed in the lives of all these characters, no matter how mundane their lives can get.

[@EminAnimE1]

Just finished this book for the first time. I thought it was really good but when it comes to favorites I'd still put The Brothers Karamazov above Anna Karenina. Levin is one of my favorite characters of all time no doubt.

[@ArtBookshelfOdyssey]

I read Anna Karenina based on your recommendation - I really loved it! It's funny, I have several editions of my some of my favorite classics, LOL... my wife thinks I'm crazy I think.

[@stephencharlton2024]

Hello. Loved your enthusiasm. I wonder do you have the Rosamund Bartlett translation (Oxford)? She is a Russian scholar and a great writer in English. I always think that the ability to write well in English is at least as important as translation skills.

[@HidingBehindThePages]

Phew just finished this. It took me a week but what a journey. I have to say i loved and felt for Anna

[@CafeCynthia]

I loved this video! I'm on my third reading of Anna Karenina right now and I enjoy it every time I pick it up. To me it feels so calming to be emersed in this story.

[@rajib17cmc]

Oh and my heart goes out to Sherezya... How many words have been spent on him.... ??? The grown ups destroyed his life as they always do..... He has three scenes slightly grown up, two with karenin and one with Stiva. I felt so bad for him in all three of them....

[@lisa60932]

I’m glad that you’ve come around to Karenin a bit! I thought there was something wrong with me. Himself and Anna are just such a bad match I felt bad for them both.

[@fernandapalafox8755]

I just finished Anna Karenina a few days ago and i can relate your reactions because oh my God, that book is perfect. One of my favorite books of all time. And yeah Lyovin is the best character. I fell in love with him as well 😢💕

[@florenciachiuminatto9400]

how long did it take you to read the book?

[@Hshhehdjsj]

Hello! I am Russian and I am very glad that you love our history, our art and our literature, thank you! 🥺💗💗💗

[@nehznaw]

I am enjoying your channel so so much and started reading Anna Karenina after watching your 'Books that changed my life' video. Thanks for being such an inspiration ❤ Is there a discord channel for the CvT debate club?

[@feliciamulyawan]

last year i used to read anna karenina, but stopped till part two chapter 10 ish. i kinda forget the details but remembered the plot by watching the film. this month i started to re-read again to retain the story line. hope that i can finish it day by day.

[@bibekrajpanta7982]

Constance Garnett translated one produced by modern library is the best one for me

[@leonwill4265]

I found the BBC TV series a brilliant adaption of this great novel. Its old now, but if you can get hold of the DVD you will not be disappointed...

[@inaina872]

It's Anna KarEnina, the emphasis goes on the first "A" in her name and "E" in her last name :)

[@poppychyk]

It really is such a joy seeing you annotate!

[@jasmineelizabeth3342]

I was definitely born to read the Anne books. I can’t even imagine who I would be if I didn’t read those books as a teenager 💛

[@erika20099]

I started reading AK a few days ago, thank to you. I really like it.

[@coopaloopmex]

Nine!? I love it! I collect editions of Les Miserables so I 100% get it! You are inspiring me to re-read my Tolstoy again. It has been too long

[@daniellelibertini6138]

I just started reading Anna Karenina for the first time! I’m about 100 pages in and already love it.

[@mrodriguez377]

Omg!! I’m just starting it TODAYY :] i’m excited

[@clairebott1539]

Hi Carolyn, I’ve no idea if you ever even read comments on you old videos, but to answer your question, I was born to read Lord of the Rings. I love this book on so many levels, it’s a great story with a great plot of course, but there are so many deep rich themes running through it. It’s full of goodness, great loyalty, deep, deep love. He was so far ahead of his time it is an ecological masterpiece written before anyone knew what the word meant. It’s so full of the happiness that can come from small every day things, the rhythms of daily life, the seasons the passing of the years. I could go on and on. I was 17 the first time I read it. I was totally bereft when I finished the last line on the last page. I knew that I would never read another book with such passion and I had nobody I could share those feelings with nobody that could understand the loss of those characters, and those lands. Tolkien was a master writer that my very soul was born to meet. I’m 63 and this is the first time I’ve ever shared my any of my true feelings about Lord of the Rings. I’ve read it seven times during my life and so gratefully pulled back the layers of meaning that mean so much to me. It’s lovely to write down these words even though it’s about 50 years since I first read the books. 😊 Claire B

[@sonjadevenney2524]

I am reading Anna for the first time and absolutely loving it cannot wait for the debate. Love your thoughts on the different characters in the novel.

[@radiantchristina]

i don't buy a lot of editions of the same book anymore, except for Anna Karenina. It is my favorite book and when I reread, i like to reread from a different edition each time :)

[@berciigalina8222]

I think one of my favourite book is Les Misérables and in general Viktor Hugo writing.

[@kimwicks5540]

I don't feel that way about a specific book I feel like I was born to read Virginia Woolf, anything by her. She just... Gets my brain, reading her for the first time was like being reunited with something I didn't know I had been kept from

[@WhitneyOpfar]

I loved this video so much! I have been procrastinating diving into Anna Karenina (it would be my second time as well) but your passion and thoughts 💭 have me excited to read. I’m already on page 100! :)

[@rebeccasun9526]

I found and bought a copy of Anna Karenina at a thrift store recently and really want to pick it up now with your videos!

[@sarahsperusals]

i remember feeling such whiplash when it came to karenin's character. within the span of a couple pages i would go from despising him to sympathizing for him, then back to despising. and the more i read the book, i realized how manipulative anna is, which is especially noticeable in her encounter with levin. but she doesn't just manipulate the characters, but the reader and their perceptions of the characters as well. so your change of heart towards karenin makes total sense. i can't wait to do a reread because i feel like i will experience the same thing

[@samuelmartin2608]

I just got that penguin classics yesterday at a GoodWill for $3! In excellent shape!

[@zissizalana6850]

I don't feel so bad now. I have 4 copies of Anna Karenina. I just finished the translation by Rosamund Bartlett. I do need the endnotes. Love your enthusiasm! 💖

[@izabelaganze1380]

Just finished the book, t'was my first read - Alexey Karenin is my favourite character in the book. Levine is nice but I admire Alexey's masculinity more.

[@algorithmimplementer415]

Karenin was one of my fave characters in my first read because I despised Anna. Hardly I believed her, but she is still fine as it was her view of her husband which may not be true in general as there were other ladies too who liked Karenin.

[@slaviclitpod]

Thanks for mentioning our series, and thanks for a wonderful video! :)

[@CarolynMarieReads]

My pleasure! :) Thank you for your wonderful podcast!

[@MilenaReads]

I remember the first Anna vlog, I think it was the first video of yours I watched! 💕

[@sherylmorris9646]

Don’t forget to listen to an audiobook edition. Different nuances and insights and maybe even maybe Russian pronunciation! Try please!

[@martasgreatlibrary]

Ohhh the ANNA vlog!!!!! I'm rereading it too and also loving it!! all the little hints about the event at the end of the book.... my mind is being blown! but the real question here is.... are you liking it more than pushkin's eugene onegin?

[@grace-op7nd]

seeing your joy while reading it makes me wanna read it myself lol

[@oksanalis1570]

I finished reading this book not so long ago and in general I liked it, it's pretty cozy and interesting but I didn't like long chapters of Levin thinking about all deep details of economy and agriculture, it was quite difficult to read them as I don't understand anything in those topics. Those chapters could've been shorter. But that's just my opinion. In general, this book is very good.

[@rubyreads_writes]

Is there a part 2 episode?! Are your earlier Anna Karenina vlogs on here?!

[@erika20099]

Carolyn, have you read 'AK' translated by Rosamund Bartlett? (Oxford edition)

[@hay_bail1]

Just curious, have you ever watched the Anna Karenina movie? Any thoughts? (No spoilers please)

[@neshkavirdure8289]

My Most Favorite Classic Book That I Was Botn to Read Sometime in my Life is Jane Eyre. Jane Became My Reallly Best Friend with Every ReRead😊📚

[@auroraarien970]

love your enthusiasm!🤗

[@thJune-ze7dn]

Oooh I really loved this book more than any other I had ever read when I read it, I really want to give Anna Karenina a re-read.

[@angelagasparyan6713]

I'm gonna read this in July,thanks for advice😍

[@alinaduda387]

I actually had the same perspective on the first read. Anna acted very immature, only based on feelings, I fully understood Karenin but the right thing to do was to get the divorce, he tried to justify that he is a kind man but in fact he could not give up, he had attachment issues. The whole family and the kids had to suffer deeply because he couldn't give up. Karenin was very passive when the relationship with Vronsky started, Anna also admits at one point that he stopped loving him because he doesn't have dignity. Anna was very foolish and selfish, it was Karenin job to do the right thing. He permitted to Anna to act like this... Anna needed someone to wake her up but she only had Vronsky Srry from my English, I am Romanian 🤣

[@annedixon7609]

I have the edition that you're holding up is that the exact copy

[@milicakostic6239]

I waaas born to read Stoner by John Williams, I still feel like that is my life-book, book-soulmate lol but yeah I understand the feeling

[@andreluissoriano]

For someone who will read Tolstoy for the first time, which translation should I get for Anna Karenina?

[@lenircotia]

For how long was Levin gone from the moment he was rejected by Kitty until he returned to Kitty and asked for her love a second time?

[@humanfirst11]

What is your best loved translation of Anna Karenina?

[@sandyrivers3037]

I can’t find that penguin edition with the corset picture???!!! Help

[@mumoftwoboysjoshjames4100]

I can’t find the second reading vlog for Anna Karenina ☹️

[@mumoftwoboysjoshjames4100]

Me neither ☹️

[@DRmakeupgirl]

Just curious why did you choose this edition to annotate? You've really peaked my interest to read this book. I've watched the movie version with Keria Knightley and I didn't like it so now I must read the book before I can form an opinion.

[@yac2617]

I feel the same way with the book of Emma by Jane Austen ❤

[@noahrenou4522]

hii carolyn, if i want to get into classics should i start with children classics first. If so do you have any recommendations. btw you look soo gorgeous

[@Sophias_booktube]

how many paged does your edition have?

[@MaryAmongStories]

💛💛💛

[@rimmsarts6970]

hi! I loved your videos and I am from Russia. It's pronounce like Ánna Karenina but don't worry very much it is not a huge mistake to pronounce another way P.S. thank you for your videos! your channel is gorgeous ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@ileanaaaaa]

That is how I feel about Tolstoy too and Austen's words... like I was meant to read them :D ahahah so I get it

[@jmsl910]

i read AK for my first 2023 read and for the first time. i'm really glad i read it! unpopular opinion: i couldn't stand Anna. i thought she was self-absorbed & really quite shallow. tbh, i didn't really like any of the characters except for her son. i was surprised at how quickly the plot moved and the writing was structured spectacularly, but i don't share the love. i'm sorry, carolyn & fellow AK lovers, only voicing my opinion bc there may be other silent observers out there.

[@profearthurito6993]

Greetings and blessings from San Juan de Lurigancho, Lima, Perú.

[@kellitreads]

What translation of Anna Karenina do you recommend?

[@PeakeweekPapers]

Your love for «Anna Karenina» makes me love this book even more😁❤️

[@judykovach6912]

Hi. Can u tell me your fav translation for Anna K?

[@rujahpoetess9166]

8th sep 2024: i too loved and read(will read) 8 times 😂 "pride and prejudice"... with Jane Eyre I had been reading different editions and comparing.. well I do buy different editions and re-read all Brontee books 😂... I think I too would do the same with Anna Karenina... I already have a book but haven't touched it yet... Edited on 9th sep 2024: well i went to the library today and took anna karanina penguin classics and wordswoth classics and then chose wordswoth to be read 1st... after watching this video I'm also obsessed with reading all editions of anna karanina 😂

[@ellarose8696]

This is my first read of the book and I feel like the way Anna describes Karenin doesn’t align with what he is saying or doing, but this could be just my perspective because I actually don’t really like Vronsky 😅😅