Free books onlineFree books onlineMain » Classic literature » Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
“Anna Karenina” (1877) by Leo Tolstoy is a classic Russian novel that
explores love, family, society, and morality. The story centers on Anna
Karenina, a married aristocratic woman who begins a passionate affair with the
charming officer Count Vronsky. Her pursuit of personal happiness conflicts with
the strict social norms of 19th-century Russian high society, leading to
isolation and tragedy.
Parallel to Anna’s story is the life of Konstantin
Levin, a landowner searching for meaning, faith, and fulfillment through work,
family, and spiritual reflection. Together, the two plotlines contrast romantic
passion with steady, compassionate love.
The novel is known for its
psychological depth, rich character development, and detailed portrayal of
Russian society, earning a reputation as one of the greatest works of world
literature.
Leo Tolstoy (1828–1910) was a Russian novelist, philosopher, and moral
thinker, considered one of the greatest writers in world literature. He is best
known for the epic novels “War and Peace” and “Anna Karenina.”
Tolstoy
was born into an aristocratic family but later became critical of wealth and
social privilege. In his later life, he embraced a form of Christian pacifism
and nonviolent resistance, ideas that influenced figures such as Mahatma Gandhi
and Martin Luther King Jr. He also wrote essays on religion, ethics, and
education.
Tolstoy’s work is notable for its psychological realism,
detailed depictions of Russian society, and exploration of moral and spiritual
questions. He died in 1910 after leaving his home in search of a simpler life.