Anna Karenina Readalong, 2023

[StColumbofNavron]

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.

Took it down from the shelf.

I've downloaded the Penguin Classics Pevear and Volonkhonsky (the one you used for the reading breakdown St Colombo) to my Kindle. I wasn't keen on the rather melodramatic reading of that addition on Audible though and my Audible subscription includes a reading of the Maud translation by David Horovitch, so I'll probably be going between translations which could be interesting/irritating!

Very excited to see that iconic opening line about all happy families being the same and all unhappy families being unhappy in their own unique way.
You know you're reading a classic when you recognise the opening line!

It is such a fabulous opening line, really sets the tone, imo.

Loving all the covers.

Is there any good source to hear the pronunciations of the names?

Please could I join. I read a lot and I think this will help me read a classic. I am not well so I expect to have a lot of reading time in 2023. I will download the book on my kindle.

I'm joining! A bit scared of the challenge as I've not read much classic literature, but I've had this on my list to read for a while. Hopefully Amazon is delivering my copy later.

@yoshiblue and @JamesGiantPledge1 I’d say reading this slowly this way is great if it’s new to you. Each chapter in my copy is about 4 pages, Tolstoy really doesn’t seem to write a chapter longer that 12 mins long (he obviously makes up for this with the number of chapters 😀).

@RubyRoss Google translate sounds ok to me. I don’t speak Russian but largely sounds the way that my Russian history lecturer pronounced the names.

@StColumbofNavron Thanks for the Google translate tip. I used to gloss over names I can't pronounce but I find it easier to keep track of characters when I can pronounce them. Also, I've been in enough awkward conversations where someone corrected my incorrect pronunciation based on English phonetics that I try to make an effort with the main characters at least

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.

Shiny new Bartlett translation has just arrived in the post 😀

I have that one too!

May I join please!!!

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

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.

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

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

Place marking

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

That’s a lovely cover Ulysses

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

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