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I’m on page 320. I can’t wait until this Anna throws herself in front of a train and I wish Tolstoy had written it so Vronsky would go right along with her.

They are both sickening. Not much has changed with selfish cheaters in the last 200 years. I hate this book but I always promised myself that I’d read it before I die. The book might actually kill me from boredom and disdain. Ugh.

I hate this book but I always promised myself that I’d read it before I die. The book might actually kill me from boredom and disdain. Ugh.

Really? I actually love it, well I actually love Russian literature in general I find the message of this book soothing “woe to those who think they can built their happiness on another’s pain”

Oh, I almost forgot to ask what translation are you reading?

JellyGurl! ...

They should all just follow Anna then: Kitty, Konstantin, Alexei, etc... sick, sick, people.

And Anna has the nerve to be offended because she’s a cheating whore and people are ACTUALLY offended by her disgusting actions??? Not even having the withthereall to spare poor Keranin? Too “ashamed” to go out because she doesn’t want that Scarlet letter?

That book made me sick to read...

ugggggh, traicionada

I have ALWAYS devoured books. Since before I could read, I had an obsession with the written word; asking my parents what every sign/billboard/etc. was saying.

I started to think something was wrong with ME after getting pretty deep into the book. Then I did some Google searching for reviews and found that I am not the only way who considers Tolstoy's Karenina to be about as interesting to read as a tombstone. I have his War and Peace on the shelf. I never read it in school and it is also on the Bucket List, but now I'm fearful.

...And to answer your question, the translation I am reading is by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky. I'll give the guy the benefit of the doubt and say, Maybe it's the translation.

[This message edited by JellyGirl84 at 6:23 PM, August 17th (Friday)]

I started to think something was wrong with ME after getting pretty deep into the book.

Nope, you’re most definitely not alone. Readers either love Leo’s writing or find it quite dreadful Some people go as far as claiming he hated women because how horrible, selfish and shallow Anna comes across

In regards to translation, personally, I think it does make a huge difference. There are books I adore in Spanish but I find their English translation dreadful

Traicionada,

I know what you mean about translation. I’ve never mentioned it on SI before but I speak/read Spanish fluently. Some things do get lost in translation but the foreword suggests that these two translators are really good.

Indeed, the Pevear and Volokhonsky’s translation is considered one of the best translations available so perhaps you are not a fan of theme

If you are still debating about giving Leo’s War & Peace a chance, I would ask you, have you read The Iliad and The Odyssey? Did you enjoy them? What did you think of good old Homer’s writing style?

Like you, I have been an avid reader since I was a small child and I must admit some of the greatest masterpieces are not my cup of tea. Sorry, Romeo & Juliet, not sorry. I still hate you both

The book might actually kill me from boredom and disdain.

I've always been a little curious how adults (not doing some kind of school requirement) force themselves to read books that bore them, or are just not enjoyable. I'm a math professor but I still like to read books if there is a story that keeps me going until the end. I have never been able to force myself to read boring books if not required for some kind of task or educational requirement.

Don't get me wrong, I admire those who force themselves to read classics which they don't really enjoy.

Well Bobbi_sue,

I consider myself such an avid reader that this self-coercion is just a challenge. That's all.

traicionada,

I have read the Iliad and the Odyssey. It was required reading in high school. At the time, I didn't care for it, but I read it again when I was in college and I liked it much better.

[This message edited by JellyGirl84 at 11:10 AM, August 20th (Monday)]

i LOVED this book. I did my senior paper on it. Then I read it again after the reason why we're all here and recognized the red flags that were planted.

I still like it. i also like reading 80 pages of nothingness for the pure joy of how the words make music.

So this book was recommended as the best book ever written. I found it to be a horrible soap opera full of disgusting people. Never finished it for what it's worth. Perhaps it improves towards the end?