MovieChat Forums > Anna Karenina (2012) Discussion > Enthusiasts of the novel - Let's debate!...

Enthusiasts of the novel - Let's debate!!!

posted 8 years ago by magtroll
2 replies | jump to latest

I am rereading this for the second time and it's surely not the last. Nabokov, Dostoevsky, Faulkner, Eugenidis, Pamuk... they were all right, this is the single most brilliant reading experience literature has to offer.

What I love about Tolstoy is the clarity. Not only is his insight into what is in us, around us, and in the air that envelops us deep and thought provoking, it's also his descriptions of scenes that is incredible. It's like seeing a beautiful painting. I think the Levin hunting/nature scenes are the best written of all time. It's like you were there.

What are your thoughts on the novel? What were your favourite parts, character, quotes?

"if you forgive, you forgive completely."

[–] Thornspike 8 years ago

My favorite parts of the book are
1) the code play that Levin and Kitty use to decide to marry.
2) Levin spending the day cutting his field with his helpers
3) Vronsky's horse race

[–] krislcherry 7 years ago

Your thoughts mirror my thoughts. I'm a big fan of Russian literature and this is one of the best Russian books in history.

My favorite parts all have to do with Levin. He was really a great character. I feel weird saying that since Tolstoy based the character on himself but I do like him. Someone else mentioned the code he used to clear the air with Kitty. That was really sweet. I remember reading that when I was in high school and wishing someone would do that with me. Another favorite is when he visited his brother. I don't know why but that scene really made me uncomfortable when I first read it. I don't have a brother but I thought of my older sister when I read the scene. I can't imagine what it would be like to not see her for three years and then be reunited with her under those conditions.

There's also a quote that I really love from the book. I don't know why this one in particular jumps out at me but it's from Levin's perspective. It's at the beginning of the book when he's watching Kitty skate and he's thinking about the strangers that are skating around her:
"They seemed to Levin an elect band of blissful beings because they were here, near her." BEAUTIFUL!