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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
32
Habibtihayatiii · 03/01/2023 16:06

@edwardianam I too was thrilled to find the introduction, however I was less thrilled when I started reading it and discovered it contains a giant spoiler for anyone who doesn't know the story already. Bit disappointed that this was the intro rather than an interesting discussion after the book tbh.

Piggywaspushed · 03/01/2023 16:32

Dolly has a DH problem.

FuzzyCaoraDhubh · 03/01/2023 16:39

The 'poor me' vibes coming from this man are very strong.

Sadik · 03/01/2023 18:43

"Dolly has a DH problem."
And an author problem

Original poster
StColumbofNavron · 03/01/2023 19:00

Ah yes, all these Classics tend to have the intro at the beginning - NEVER read them Team. NEVER.

I have read this before and obvs have read W&P too and what I like is that Tolstoy makes us feel something for every character - even if it’s hatred, contempt or irritation, he provokes a reaction. Even Matvei, the valet, he annoys me because I find him fawning (rightly or wrongly) but my eyes roll out of my head when he speaks. I’ve not read chapter 3 yet today, but will do shortly.

OP posts:
Iwantacampervan · 03/01/2023 19:11

I've read 2 chapters and agree with all the comments about Stephen. The one line that annoyed me was stating that everyone was with him and could see that he had done no wrong.

Piggywaspushed · 03/01/2023 19:13

The intro to my copy of The Woman In White instructs you not to read past a certain page if you wish to avoid spoilers which was jolly decent.

Tessisme · 03/01/2023 19:27

Magentax · 03/01/2023 13:24

I enjoyed todays chapter - he’s a real shit isn’t he?

Definitely! Not liking Stevie Boy one little bit. Poor Dolly.

Tessisme · 03/01/2023 19:29

Oops, New Year name change. Was FunnyWonder😅

maranella · 03/01/2023 19:47

I downloaded the Kindle sample of the Pevear and Volokhonsky edition, but I don't love it, so I'm going to try the Bartlett version instead. I loved the Briggs translation of W&P so was disappointed to see that he hasn't translated this one.

Gosh, isn't Stepan a charmer eh? I can see why the servants want them to stay together, as presumably they're worried they'd be out of their jobs/home if the marriage fails. I had totally missed the bit about the governess being pregnant too. Must concentrate more when reading! Although I find these threads great for pointing out the bits I miss Grin

StephanieSuperpowers · 03/01/2023 19:59

What a great choice of book! It's years since I read this, can't even recall what happens!

DesdamonasHandkerchief · 03/01/2023 23:01

Part 1 Chapter 3

•	Oblonsky reads his letters and his newspaper. We find out that he's a liberal, because all the people around him are liberals.

•	Then he hangs out with his kids, Grisha and Tanya (who is his favorite). He gives Tanya chocolates.

•	Oblonsky deals with some official business, and then thinks that it's unavoidable to go see his wife, who's been hiding in her bedroom.
falgelednl · 03/01/2023 23:05

I am enjoying this slow read along - it really makes me think about the characters.
I think Tolstoy has done a great job in setting up the characterisation - and the comments on this thread indicate his writing has given us all something to think about and dislike in Stepan.
I had considered the governess to be pregnant, otherwise why the fuss about infidelity?
I’m liking Dolly, although there’s only been snippets about her so far but I’m hoping she carries through on leaving.

SanFranBear · 04/01/2023 09:08

I also think I'm going to like Dolly - she knows she should kick Stepan to the kerb and never look back but is also realistic about her place in 19th Century Russia where, let's be honest, she is unlikely to be able to start again...

She at least has fire in her belly for now and who knows, maybe that'll bring Stepan back?

FuzzyCaoraDhubh · 04/01/2023 09:18

I agree. I like Dolly so far. She seems smart and clued in. Stepan comes across as emotionally immature.
He did not understand that his pity for her exasperated her. In him, she saw pity for herself, but no love.

DesdamonasHandkerchief · 04/01/2023 12:10

Part 1 Chapter 4

Dolly is in the middle of packing, but she loves her husband and considers it impossible to leave him.

•	Dolly is angry, sad, and stressed. Her husband, on the other hand, appears cheerful, healthy, and happy.

•	Oblonsky keeps asking her to forgive him, but Dolly realizes that he pities her and doesn't truly love her.
•	
•	This angers her and she tells him to scram.

•	Oblonsky leaves the house, and Dolly busies herself by taking care of the children's clothes and figuring out where to get fresh milk.
CuteAsDuck · 04/01/2023 12:11

Oh I'm keen to join if not too late?

FuzzyCaoraDhubh · 04/01/2023 12:42

CuteAsDuck · 04/01/2023 12:11

Oh I'm keen to join if not too late?

Welcome! No, not too late. The chapters are quite short. You could easily catch up :)

outnumbered77 · 04/01/2023 12:43

Me too! Listening on audible

ArabeI · 04/01/2023 12:46

I'd never heard of Shmoop and looked it up. I must pass that link on. I love the summaries @DesdamonasHandkerchief

I'm also a late joiner signing to the thread, but I've been reading. I did read AK some years ago, but am enjoying the revisit.

fruitstick · 04/01/2023 13:09

Can I join? This has been on my TBR pile for a while.

DesdamonasHandkerchief · 04/01/2023 18:08

You're welcome Arabel. There's also a website called GradeSaver but that only does summaries and analysis for each Part of this book rather than by chapter so I'll post those at the appropriate time.

MamaNewtNewt · 04/01/2023 18:52

I also liked Dolly, she clearly loves her husband (God knows why) but isn't letting him off the hook!

MyCousinDaphne · 04/01/2023 22:26

I don't remember feeling this cross with Oblonsky when I read it before, that was probably 20 years ago. Reading through a different lens now, I guess! Poor Dolly is trapped, in spite of her feelings.

Iwantacampervan · 05/01/2023 07:39

I am also enjoying reading this slowly, I am concentrating on the characters and text far more than usual! In ch 4 it states that Dolly has 5 children but only 2 are named/have appeared. Is this correct?

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