An enjoyable read with mixed pace and foreign social interest. The final chapters speak loudly in today's world about Russian perceptions, and Tolstoy imparts some wisdom as well as balanced debate into the arena. TM (May 2013) is being a tad catty in his objection to Tolstoy bringing a spiritual dimension to his work. Most writers and creative artists give something of their inner selves to their work, and denying them this would limit them unfairly. In fact, I don't agree with all Tolstoy's conclusions (seeming to verge on universalism, as they do) but wouldn't gainsay him the right to express them.

The best part for me was Anna's passion at the end - very gripping, yet understandable - followed by Levin's 'conversion' and war debate with his brother and others - perhaps some resonance in how Russia thinks of Ukraine?

Like Dickens, Tolstoy has his moments of verbosity, but these are offset by his observations of an era long ago in a land far away, that brings modern Russia closer to our understanding.

Loved reading this story & Loved the film too!!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this well written book. Tolstoy captures human emotions and puts them into words so magically that I was transported into his era and could not put this book down once I started reading it.

Towards the end I felt a bit let down by the change of events, however felt uplifted again by the beautiful way in which he ended the final chapter. A brilliant piece of work that portrays so many different lives and captures the essence of their being!! I would certainly recommend reading it.

Yes - you need to read it. It is a seminal text.

However, be prepared for a long read...and a meandering one!

Tolstoy tells us the tale of the beautiful and the damned, but he takes the opportunity to insert swathes of description of 'country matters' while interlacing the whole thing with the tale of his personal journey in faith.

I appreciate his crafting of the text and understand his point of view, however I really could have garnered that from a contracted explanation. I do see his description of his personal journey as an act of self-indulgence, with slim regard for the effect on the reader - bar the obvious preaching element.

Preaching religion via a work of fiction I consider both pedestrian and duplicitous. I am aware that my opinion may be entirely due to personal beliefs, however a modern audience obviously will bring a much wider range of 'reader contexts' and thus produce a wider range of opinions than those produced in imperial Russia.

Ultimately, read and enjoy - with a pinch of salt!

Brilliant very easy to read, once you start you get lost in it...

This is a masterpiece! Do not be put off by the length or pedigree of the author. It is beautifully written and easy to read. Anna's passion and jealousy is offset perfectly by Kitty's gentle love story. I loved it!

Ahead of its time, this is fascinating as much for its detailed look at Russia in a time of change, as it is for its complex and well-drawn characters. I actually preferred reading the ebook as I found it easier to follow than the paperback (small screen and less densely packed with unfamiliar Russian names)!

😏👍