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Original poster

Anna Karenina Readalong, 2023

958 replies

StColumbofNavron · 28/12/2022 21:30

Following the success of W&P in 2022, we’ve decided to stick with Tolstoy for 2023 and read Anna Karenina, one chapter per day.

For newbies: we simply read one chapter a day and discussion is allowed with a broader chat at the end of each section. Tolstoy’s chapters are nice and short, flicking through average length is about 4 pages.

I have used the Penguin Classics (2001, 2003) trans. by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky for the breakdown below. More on editions below.

There are 249 chapters in this edition and the book is in 8 parts taking us to 14 September with a break of a day between each book. Hopefully, irrespective of the edition you pick the finishing of each ‘book’ will hopefully align.

Book 1, ch. 1-34 (1 Jan-3 Feb)
BREAK, 4 Feb
Book 2, ch. 1-35 (5 Feb-11 Mar)
BREAK, 12 March
Book 3, ch. 1-32 (13 Mar-13 Apr)
BREAK, 14 Apr
Book 4, ch. 1-23 (15 Apr-7 May)
BREAK, 8 May
Book 5, ch. 1-33 (9 May-10 Jun)
BREAK, 11 Jun
Book 6, ch. 1-32 (12 Jun-14 Jul)
BREAK, 15 Jul
Book 7, ch. 1-31 (16 Jul-15 Aug)
BREAK, 16 Aug
Book 8, ch. 1-29 (17 Aug-14 Sept)

Some info on different translations and editions in the links below. Maud, Aylmer and Pevear and Volonkhonsky all present once again.

Wikipedia here
Tolstoy Therapy
New York Times
Some thoughts on Pevear and Volonkhonsky contenting the Russian Lit market

For reasons best known to me (largely foolish) I decided look up and work it all out on my phone instead of laptop, so apologies for any inaccuracies, typos etc. I am certain I have forgotten something, got my numbering wrong somewhere, but hopefully broadly correct.

All that remains is to say welcome back to those who are remaining committed to Tolstoy, thank you to those who organised and helped the last read run smoothly and welcome, do come in to those joining.

p.s. I would love to see the covers of your books.

OP posts:

Thread gallery

falgelednl · 01/01/2023 13:24

Can I join please?
I have the kindle version of the Penguin Classic, translated by Pevear and Volokhonsky.
I’ve started this before but never finished so hoping this time I’ll keep going.

Original poster

StColumbofNavron · 01/01/2023 11:38

@ProfessionalTeaDrinker I read it a chapter a day in 2021 and found bookmarks at various points which was amusing.

OP posts:

ProfessionalTeaDrinker · 01/01/2023 11:26

I'd like to join! Just read my first chapter and found a bookmark in there showing I read nearly 300 pages of it before. No idea why I stopped and can't remember a word! I'm guessing I attempted it during a maternity leave and decided that was foolish and to try again another day so hopefully I'll do better this time.

MamaNewtNewt · 01/01/2023 11:26

I've just read Chapter 1 and can't believe I didn't realise the quote about happy / unhappy families is from AK.

Interesting opening chapter, I already can't wait to read more. I'm interested to find out exactly what's happened here as I'm picking up an early vibe from Steve that he loves his wife and is a good guy. He's obviously guilty of something, but whether it's a dalliance remains to be seen!

milkfromthesleepycow · 01/01/2023 11:17

I'd like to join. Have downloaded the kindle version (Barnett translation) for 99p - bargain education
Will read first chapter tonight after I've settled the kids in and then I'm planning to make it my activity with my morning coffee from tomorrow

Habibtihayatiii · 01/01/2023 11:12

Happy New Year!
I'd like to join too please, I've just ordered a copy which should get here tomorrow so I'll catch up on the first two chapters then.

I've always wanted to read AK and have deliberately avoided screen adaptations over the years with the intention to read it first but have never got round to it so this is a lovely kick to do so 😀

Original poster

StColumbofNavron · 01/01/2023 10:28

Thanks Piggy, really useful.

Off to have some breakfast and read chapter 1.

OP posts:

Piggywaspushed · 01/01/2023 10:14

And here are the pages with the accents showing emphasis

Piggywaspushed · 01/01/2023 10:11

I have a pronunciation guide at the start of my edition. Not sure how well this will work!

MrsTaytodarling · 01/01/2023 07:44

Hi! Can I join?? Just ordered my copy, it will arrive Wednesday, will catch up then

ChessieFL · 01/01/2023 07:44

That’s a lovely cover Ulysses

Ulysses · 01/01/2023 07:03

Happy new year! I’ve got my hard copy and also my Kindle version. My eyesight is poor so will need the larger print. And also the hardback, lovely so she is, weighs about the same as a theee month old baby.

Magentax · 01/01/2023 06:40

Happy New Year! I’ve started, looking forward to chatting it through with you all.

CaptBuckyOHare · 31/12/2022 23:10

I'd like to join. Anna Karenina's been sitting on my shelf for ages, so hopefully this will give me the kick up the arse I need to actually start reading it!

I have the Alma Classics version, translated by Kyril Zinovieff & Jenny Hughes.

Ulysses · 31/12/2022 22:26

I first read it when was 16, over 30 years ago now. The other month I bought a beautiful leather bound hard back edition. I’ll probably leave that one in the shelf and get the Kindle edition. Will post a picture when I’m up and about.

Magentax · 31/12/2022 22:02

What a lovely idea, I’ll join! I’ve been waking early recently and I’ll make it my resolution to read a chapter rather than mindless scrolling. I’ve just downloaded the Bartlett translation.

365names · 31/12/2022 21:50

Place marking

BadlydoneHelen · 31/12/2022 21:45

Just opened it and gosh the print is tiny! I may need a head torch and stronger glasses

BadlydoneHelen · 31/12/2022 21:43

Found my dog eared copy so I'd love to join too. I've never done a read-a-long before but loved this book when I read it 30 years ago so must be worth a re-read

Rbaby · 31/12/2022 21:29

Please can I join too?
I read 90% of this around ten years ago and can't believe I never finished it. It would be great to read every day! I'm really out of the the habit.

Buttalapasta · 31/12/2022 21:03

rifling · 30/12/2022 08:10

Thank you @StColumbofNavron ! I wasn't going to join in this one as I felt a bit Tolstoyed out after the second epilogue. 😅 I'm fully recovered now though and off to choose my kindle copy.

Aargh. Accidentally deleted my account so had to sign up again with a new name. Looking forward to this!

Bumpsadaisie · 31/12/2022 18:25

May I join please!!!

Piggywaspushed · 31/12/2022 17:59

I have that one too!

yoshiblue · 31/12/2022 17:42

Shiny new Bartlett translation has just arrived in the post 😀

Sadik · 31/12/2022 17:19

I cheated & started today, as I'm not sure I'll have time tomorrow, and inadvertantly read (I think) 3 chapters. I've now realised the chapter breaks aren't that obvious / don't start a new page in the version I'm reading!
I've enjoyed the opening section a lot more than I did the beginning of W&P, it feels like we're right into family life from the start.

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