Before You Read Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy - Book Summary, Analysis, Review (A favorite novel?)

Welcome to the CodeX Cantina where our mission is to get more people talking about books! Always listed a one of the books you must read before you die, Anna Karenina! Krypto and Una are finally diving into this mammoth and performing an in-depth discussion as they work through it. This will cover what we wished we had known before reading Anna Karenina! For the discussion on the individual parts see the playlist below.
Leo Tolstoy may have been Russia's greatest writer and he may have been their greatest moralist. Any way you look at it, it's hard to compare the themes of love, public and private life, or adultery any closer than how Tolstoy does in this book. While I'm sure everyone will ask "what is the best translation of Anna Karenina", we think you should find the right version for you. More on this in 5 Tips for Reading Anna Karenina: • Top 5 Tips for Reading...
Anna Karenina In-Depth Playlist: • Before You Read Anna K...
Read Anna Karenina for Free: www.gutenberg....
Listen to Anna Karenina for Free: • ANNA KARENINA by Leo T...
Part 1 Audiobook: • ANNA KARENINA by Leo T...
Anna Karenina Livestream Parts 1-4 Discussion Panel: • Anna Karenina Readalon...
Anna Karenina Livestream Parts 5-8 on ‪@TheNerdyNarrative‬
Una's copy was translated by Constance Garnett while Krypto read the Pevear and Volokhonsky translation.
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==================================
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Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy: amzn.to/30CEV7U
Channels Involved in Read-Along:
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‪@msrichardsreads‬
‪@TheNerdyNarrative‬
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#AnnaKarenina
#LeoTolstoy
#RussianLiterature
#ClassicsCommunity
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===== Links Referenced in this Video =====
Tolstoy's 1870s and his first inklings of wanting to write about Anna:
lithub.com/the...
Russia and Church:
philarchive.or....
Divorce Laws: pirate.shu.edu/....

[@deeplyliterature9569]

The fact that you guys were recently nominated as a top 10 Literary Fiction podcast, put out videos like this, and then act humble is amazing. I appreciate how you guys approach literature and your passion comes through! Love this.

[@TheCodeXCantina]

Thanks so much! We try our best!

[@ks-ok1oc]

Bro Where is list of all of them. Any website

[@jamesstout6280]

I don't know how much time you guys spend putting all this together but I have to say it's awesome that you take the time to do it! I know the reward is little with books and all but for those of us that are huge book lovers, I think it's great that you do. This is a wonderful book and deserves videos like this. Much appreciated, gents. Keep it up!

[@TheCodeXCantina]

Thanks so much! I get the itch to put a bit more love and time into some videos so it's all good! Thanks for the kind words 🤗

[@bonki8594]

Now this is a channel that needs more traffic. This is absolutely perfect for all us literature fans or even just bookworms of any genre. Definitely showing my friends!!

[@TheCodeXCantina]

That’s very kind of you! Thanks so much

[@sarahwhitelaw3430]

You guys make it so easy to approach the greatest books of all time! These videos are the best!!!

[@TheCodeXCantina]

Yes! This is perfect and so glad we can help people open up these books a little more easily!

[@azazeln]

Have been postponing the reading of this book because of its size, but after this I have to start it!

[@TheCodeXCantina]

I can relate as I have been postponing it for almost 40 years!

[@katiewilliams5674]

Amazing! Thank you so much for your work. I was late to the read along but I’ve now finished Anna Karenina and I’m so grateful for your videos. The themes explored in the book are still haunting me.

[@TheCodeXCantina]

You can't be late if we haven't even had the final discussion! Oh yes, I still think about how sometimes I feel like some of the people in this novel

[@BrandonsBookshelf]

Ok OK Ok enough. Not that your guys' videos are not all superb and edited well, but this kind of video, versus just when you two discuss...THE EDITING! It is so so so good. This is the kind of video I want to make but have not yet persued. I am beyond impressed, and we are not even talking about the content which of course is A+! really love this!

[@TheCodeXCantina]

Thanks, Brandon! I can't make these too often as I run out of energy :D Takes me a lot of work!

[@rishabhthakur8773]

Read it with fresh mind without any pre notion and assumptions. Enjoy the difference in you from others. Be your own kind. Read it in present, not with memories of past. ❤🎉

[@GreenerSideOfSam]

I just found your channel and you have superb editing!! I read Anna Karenina this summer and I absolutely agree with the prose. Kitty is my favorite. 😊

[@TheCodeXCantina]

How kind! I think you had some livestreams with Pae a while back didn't you? Thanks for the kind words. There was quite a bit of more love put into this one so I am glad you found it turned out well! Kitty is clearly the best :D

[@ranakhoury2528]

Thank you for a wonderful review. I borrowed this book from our public library six weeks ago and have been postponing reading it as it seemed so huge and actually thought of returning it. But now I will just dive in.

[@TheCodeXCantina]

Oh that’s so awesome! I hope you enjoy it!!

[@Johanna_reads]

Excellent Before You Read discussion! I would love to read Tolstoy someday. His books sound so thought-provoking and challenging. Thanks for all the context to consider before reading Anna Karenina!

[@TheCodeXCantina]

Johanna! That’s awesome. I always appreciate hearing from you!!

[@Starscreamlive]

The introduction was amazing (the rest of the video was great too)!

[@TheCodeXCantina]

Thanks!

[@DebMcDonald]

Wow what a video! I’m going to be bragging that I knew y’all before you were famous! Thanks for the push you gave me to read Anna K. I started late and finished at the end of November. I did want to talk about it when I finished and subjected my husband to a very long explanation about Anna that he didn’t understand. I’m glad I read it. The short chapters flew by. Highly recommend. Deb

[@TheCodeXCantina]

Awww shucks. You’re too kind! Isn’t it so great to read such amazing books!? I am always marveled when I read some things

[@Shellyish]

Oh my gosh! This is absolutely amazing! The editing! The editing! The duel voices! “Wasn’t just some Russian dude!” 😂 really enjoyed the conversation around morality. I loved ever single minute of it.

[@TheCodeXCantina]

Awww shucks, Shelly. Awful kind of ya 🤗

[@Thecatladybooknook_PennyD]

I couldn't participate earlier this year but this is at the top of my list to start chipping away at sometime next year...depending on when you read War and Peace

[@TheCodeXCantina]

Awesome! I look forward to your thoughts on this or War and Peace! It should be early next year. Dates still being decided.

[@AhanaNags]

This video was so well made, it helped me a lot for my Honors class! Thank you!

[@TheCodeXCantina]

Thanks for the kind words. Best of luck

[@MishelleLexi]

I have been putting off watching this one until I had time to really listen to it. This was one of the classics I didn't connect with as much on my first read through. But this video made me want to reread it in the future. This is a top tier resource, well done.

[@TheCodeXCantina]

That's awesome! If you do re-read, I hope you can connect with it!

[@narrativenotions3389]

So glad I checked to see if Codex had a video about A.K.! I found a great copy of this book and just knew I needed a great analysis as I read it so I can get the most out of it. Thank you so much😄

[@attention5638]

I need to find that Tolstoy shirt Una has. That is great. Krypto nailed it with the difference between Tolstoy and Dostoyevsky--one understands the history, the other the people. Of course, there are many differences, but most of their differences does stem from this one. Great point!

[@TheCodeXCantina]

Awww shucks. I think I found it on boxed lunch maybe?

[@kierankehoe2275]

I don’t really understand the comment. Fyodor went deeper into a characters mind than anyone I’ve ever read. Seemed to me that he was much more into one’s mind then overall history

[@smalltown2223]

Long slow but brilliant books like this, are easier to read, in my case, if I imagine them as a film. For instance I imagined reading Anna Karenina as a Stanley Kubrick film, like Barry Lyndon. It really helps with the slow pace and long passages, the scene looks good even if not a lot’s happening. Hope that makes sense.

[@skinfinesse]

Thank you so much for this BRILLIANT CHANEL. Wow!

[@jacko.6625]

I couldn't get very far in War and Peace but I loved Anna Karenina.

[@munnaf]

I love the before you reads!

[@TheCodeXCantina]

They are some of my favorite to put together! I'm glad some people can enjoy them!

[@_samaa]

Thank you for this video!❤

[@guriausa]

I wish I had seen this video before reading Anna Karenina. I learned the hard way about the Russian names. I was also confused by the multitude of princes and princesses lol. I just finished it and now am digging in to War and Peace.

[@TheCodeXCantina]

Oh yes. Another masterpiece!! I hope you enjoy it!

[@PentoPaper]

Thank you for this info! If you’re doing War and Peace in the new year, I’ll definitely join in 😁

[@TheCodeXCantina]

Consider it a plan then!

[@NYC.Geezer]

Great video with high production values, and a Christmassy theme to boot! Thank for putting this together. I just finished the book yesterday and you provide some great details of the historical context that really help to explain the cavernous divide between the nobility and the working-class people in the story. At 10:36 you mean "sacrosanct", I think. I am now a subscriber and looking forward to more like this one.

[@TheCodeXCantina]

Thanks for the kind words. Oh yes, my word choice is generally off at times. Thanks for helping out!

[@linn8487]

Thank you for this! Gonna read the book now. Cant wait

[@TheCodeXCantina]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@bitsoflit]

i've been meaning to get to this all year so I will keep this in mind when I finally do read.

[@TheCodeXCantina]

I hope you enjoy!

[@SaraMGreads]

This is an amazing video. Nice work!

[@TheCodeXCantina]

Thanks, Sara! Hope you’re doing well

[@anridvalishvili5908]

Tolstoy, probably the greatest author of all time. Great channel

[@TheCodeXCantina]

GOAT

[@TheNerdyNarrative]

I need this a couple months ago…lol

[@TheCodeXCantina]

Us too!!

[@rbrinks5]

Thank you so much for this video. I am beginning my first read of Anna Karenina. I really enjoyed your videos on the Brothers Karamazov and Absalom, Absalom! Looking forward to this one as well!

[@TheCodeXCantina]

Oh it’s quite different than those books. I hope you enjoy it

[@idan4848]

thank you very much!It is great to have a channel like you, today Im going today to take this book from the library and read that with you.

[@TheCodeXCantina]

I hope you love the book

[@robertvaughan4915]

Excellet points about the book when you talk about it. Thinking about what ou said and what I read you used the right word: morality. Before I heard you two, I would think social perceptions on social issues in Russia at the time. Thanks for narrowing it further.

[@ItsTooLatetoApologize]

Great video. I really want to read this this year so thank for this context.

[@TheCodeXCantina]

I hope you enjoy it

[@skejdeg6143]

It’s not just about love. It’s about the fall of the Russian Empire. Anna is the symbol of the fall.

[@CYBONIX]

Well done gentlemen. I just watched the movie and I really want to read the book now.

[@TheCodeXCantina]

👍

[@kristie3720]

Amazing!!

[@TheCodeXCantina]

Thanks!

[@I_Am_Adrien]

This is AMAZING! Keep it up guys

[@TheCodeXCantina]

Thanks for the kind words

[@LeaningonJesuswithNanceBiswas]

very informative! Thanks! 💛

[@maximpuzikov5154]

Una, I'm curious, what is your opinion now about "A confession". Is it helpful to read it before "Anna Karenina" to understand the core of the story more deeply and consistently. Or is it too much for ordinary reader and can confuse more than clarify?

[@TheCodeXCantina]

Great question! Hmmmm. I was struggling a bit with it since I was reconciling what i thought confessions implied vs what I was reading. I think it is not necessary, I’m glad I did read it before. I wouldn’t add it to recommended pre-reads though I think. I think the character’s story it impacts the most (that I won’t mention here due to people having not read it yet) can still make sense without it.

[@maximpuzikov5154]

@@TheCodeXCantina i see what you mean and mostly agree with you. it's hard to accept that Tolstoy not a good guy as maybe most people want to think about great writers. I asked you because I had an experience with my chinese collegues that translated Tolstoy's Diaries into Chinese. So many times they was shocked and confused, cause cannot believe that they understand it right what Tolstoy think about basic values of human life such as family, relationships, faith etc.

[@VioletEmerald]

@@maximpuzikov5154 huh?

[@crubbythebeagle57]

nice nice to watch

[@TheCodeXCantina]

Thank you very much!

[@applebottomjeans7]

So wish I had seen this before reading the book

[@zazenbo]

hey thanks!

[@TheCodeXCantina]

Thank you!!

[@ABlurbFromTheSerb]

I love your videos! I was supposed to read Anna Karenina in high school, but at 16 I really did not feel like reading a giant book like that, not gonna lie. I am excited to read it now though! Thank you for making this video. When is War and peace read along happening? I may want to join :)

[@TheCodeXCantina]

Thanks Ana! We were going to start War and Peace in March and read it for 3 months (Mar-May).

[@ABlurbFromTheSerb]

@@TheCodeXCantina Ah my mom is going to be here in March so I probably won’t have much time for that but if I can catch up later I’ll definitely join you guys :)

[@fatimamirza3530]

Brilliant brief review

[@TheCodeXCantina]

🙏

[@KristenCardinale]

“Dooblydoo”? Have you been watching Wheezy Waiter? 😂 This was a great video idea, guys. Though, I kept having to pause because I couldn’t not read all the historical information 😅

[@TheCodeXCantina]

Lol! Yeah, was having problems getting it to fit well. Clearly needed more time still

[@ayushraj131292]

I want to read Anna Karenina but here is the thing....I have strong issues against infidelity. So I am simply wondering whether it is the kind of book which is simply not meant for me. I would like to see some suggestions from those who have read and loved Anna Karenina. Thanks in advance! 🙏

[@TheCodeXCantina]

If a book has infidelity and you do not like books that contain infidelity, you will most likely not enjoy Anna Karenina

[@ayushraj131292]

@@TheCodeXCantina Glad to know that before investing myself into reading it. So I am going to switch to a book which has piqued my interest recently.....Les Miserables. I really liked this video of yours so if you have a video for Les Miserables as well, I would love to see it.

[@TheCodeXCantina]

@@ayushraj131292 perhaps one day. I hope you enjoy Hugo’s book

[@fire.smok3]

I really enjoyed this book and I loved so much of its themes and insights, and its characterization is excellent. But, I don't know if I like it quite to the same level as its generally regarded. It's definitely a good book, just not among my favorites. Maybe it's because I could not bring myself to like Anna no matter what, though I appreciate some of the things her character represented and communicated. Some other details of the book bothered me too. I haven't read War and Peace or any other of Tolstoy's writings yet, but I have a feeling I will enjoy them more than Anna Karenina. Just my opinion.

[@TheCodeXCantina]

For sure not everyone sees themselves liking Anna. She has a lot going on.

[@MsMarivo]

Thank you!

[@ratherrapid]

no one ever mentions the beautifully bound 2400 page Globe Illustrated Shakespeare. year about 1860 put together by a chess grandmaster having a life time interest in S.. Brilliant commentaries by such as Shlegel, Shelliing, Coeleridge et. al. copious notes. lacking only the latest scholarship currently $40.00.

[@mariaochoa9387]

I love you videos, could you please review this book called Ubuntu: A Modern Utopia by Horus Ochoa

[@TheCodeXCantina]

Thanks for the kind words. I’ll look into it

[@Edo9River]

But don’t you think that St. Petersburg society is similar to the Victorian society and the society of all the elite, nobility. Their weakness. Are vast and their individual values are relatively restricted morally, economically, compared with the millions of toiling small farmers at the bottom of society. The nobility had all their physical needs assured as long as they. Obeyed the social rules. It’s easy to be kind with. Momentary coin, or smile towards the people walk ling in the rain outside your carriage. Their actual moral depth of character is petty and shallow compared to the struggles lof the peasant society.

[@perlefisker]

This is probably a good video. It is in the comments at least that also advocate for more traffic to the channel. I just wonder, how many potential viewers might be put off by the thumbnail? Who want to get a summary, analysis and review of a novel BEFORE reading it?

[@TheCodeXCantina]

A few minutes in we state the spoiler free stance and purpose of the video. Pretty much right after the animation. It’s not like we really say anything about plot or characters. It’s more of a discussion of Russia at the time. Kind of a different video but that’s what we like doing for these large books. Some people want just a bit more before starting a large book.

[@rajithadasan1901]

Can anyone say the connection of Anna Karenina with the real world.(how is the book connected to our lives)

[@FernandoSerna1654]

What translation do you recommend?

[@Edo9River]

The. Women always got the short end of the shaft

[@lenircotia]

How much time does pass by between Levin confessing his love to Kitty and gets rejected and until Levin returns to Kitty a second time and she confirms her love to him? Thank you for the analysis!

[@lenircotia]

Well, my question has been answered, stated in the comment before! How long is Levin gone until he returns to Kitty to ask her if she wants to merry him? Thank you!

[@AwaisAli-qn9in]

instead of reading it, can i listen to the audiobook or will it ruin its charm? i have been listening to audiobooks with a diary and pen with me to note or quote things!

[@TheCodeXCantina]

I believe in terms of classics that this would be on the end of the spectrum that is easier to listen to on audiobook. You can try and if you don’t like it, you could always switch over to the book

[@karla_blackbooker]

Want more about Russian literature!)))

[@TheCodeXCantina]

🙏

[@peterb5235]

1:47 "In 1870, a 42 year old Tolstoy turned to..." * shows a picture of Tolstoy age 98 *

[@TheCodeXCantina]

Had a hard time finding one that was on a site that clearly said it was public domain. I didn't think anyone would get too hung up on it.

[@lindaemmons1448]

!!

[@TheCodeXCantina]

👍

[@fael9993]

601 ❤

[@onajiteekure8363]

😊😊👍

[@robertfranklin8704]

One of the greatest of novels, but the intellectuals often getit wrong. Anna is NOT the protagonist. She is selfish and a suicide. The book is about a successful marriage, and the Levins are the heroes.

[@TheCodeXCantina]

I think I’ve seen both intellectuals and laypersons alike come to this conclusion

[@58angieb]

Spoilers!! For those yet to read 'Anna Karenina '.😢

[@ryanand154]

A profound misinterpretation of a very boring book. -Nabokov

[@ryanand154]

The Leon Edelstein translation is not the best.

[@TheCodeXCantina]

Anna Karenina In-Depth Playlist: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKu0fIWKg5Kboqc Support on Patreon: www.patreon.com/thecodexcantina

[@TheRealJaded]

It's really unbecoming, in my opinion, for full grown men to be referencing animated children's movies during a review of a book written in the 1800's.

[@TheCodeXCantina]

👍

[@johnryskamp2943]

The only characters are the trains.