Anna Karenina

Anna Karenina follows the tragic story of Anna, a married aristocratic woman in 19th-century Russia, who enters a passionate affair with Count Vronsky. Though initially intoxicated by love, Anna becomes increasingly isolated as society condemns her, and her marriage to Alexei Karenin collapses. She sacrifices her social standing and motherhood for Vronsky, but their relationship deteriorates under jealousy, insecurity, and societal pressure. Consumed by despair and feeling unloved, Anna ultimately takes her own life. Parallel to Anna's story is that of Konstantin Levin, a landowner seeking meaning in faith, labor, and love. His courtship and marriage to Kitty, along with his spiritual struggles, contrast Anna's downfall, offering a vision of redemption through simplicity and moral integrity. Through these intertwined narratives, Tolstoy explores themes of love, betrayal, family, social hypocrisy, and the search for purpose. The novel presents a vast portrait of Russian society and asks whether true happiness lies in passion or moral duty.

Lev Tolstoy (1828–1910) was a Russian novelist and philosopher, author of War and Peace and Anna Karenina. Born into aristocracy, he later embraced spiritual and moral simplicity. His works examine human nature, faith, and social injustice, making him one of literature's greatest moral voices.