I just finished “Anna Karenina.” I thought I had read the book years ago but decided to read it again. After reading the almost 850-page book, I have determined I never read it.
The book, written by Leo Tolstoy and released in 1878, is so incredibly good and masterfully written. It is even more shocking to think that it was crafted all those many years ago, and it is still being devoured almost 150 years later!
The reason I am confident I have not read it before is because of one passage in the book that is so incredibly powerful that I would have a challenging time forgetting it. So, I have gone all these years thinking I have read it and have not.
How sad would it be if I continued to think that and never read it and missed this glorious novel? I was hooked from the very first line which reads “Happy families are all alike: unhappy families are unhappy in their own way.”
It has been determined that I read “War and Peace” rather than “Anna Karenina.” It is another very lengthy novel by Tolstoy. I am not sure why he drafts such long books, but I must say he is superbly intelligent and articulate.
“Anna Karenina” is set in 19th century Russia and deals with multiple issues, including betrayal, family, faith, friendship, Russian society, love, and marriage.
Even though it was written decades ago, it is amazing how some things remain the same. Characters in this book are forced to deal with infidelity, broken friendships, death, and economic status.
The differences, however, are paramount: no televisions or cellphones, meaning that when someone wanted to deliver a message to another person, they had to write a note, get the footman, and send him on his way via horse or carriage. He was then forced to wait until a reply was given and then ride back with the answer.
Also, cars had not yet been invented, meaning everyone traveled by train (lots of things happen at the train station in this book as it was a huge part of society), horse, or by foot.
The other thing that was so spectacular to me: the guests and the arrangements made for them. It was not unusual in this particular era for people to arrive at their family or friends’ residences and stay the entire summer at their country home. The host was then charged with entertaining and feeding the guest or guests who arrived for the season. Occasionally, this was unexpected, and the homeowners had to make sure they had enough provisions for their company.
“Anna Karenina” has traditionally been ranked as one of the best books of all time, coming in at No. 3 or 5 most often but always remaining in the top 10. The author’s characters and themes are cited as the reason this novel has gained such notoriety. It was originally released in parts, much like what happens with shows on streaming apps are released over time. Now, of course, this book is available in all its forms in one, huge novel.
If you plan to read it, I highly suggest the paperback version or an e-reader, as the hardback would cause aches and pains in your hand and arm from holding it.
Book form is not the only way to utilize this story. According to my research, it has also been portrayed through the theater, opera, film, television, and radio.
Seven Stone Memorial High School students placed in the recent math competition at Tennessee Tech. Alex Sellers (no relationship to me, I am horrible in algebra!) placed first in Algebra II; Madeline Goad, fourth, Algebra II; Charles Redfield, sixth, geometry; Finnley Shaver, seventh, Algebra I; Maddox Bracero, eighth, Algebra II; Andrew Clingdon, ninth, geometry; and Samuel Ferrell, 10th, Algebra II.
Next weekend is the much-anticipated Memorial Day Weekend. This is the unofficial start to summer and will feature myriad outdoor activities. If you travel on the roadways and/or highways please exercise caution and observe the speed limits, wear life and safety vests, and please do not mix alcohol with vehicles or boats!
A service honoring our fallen heroes will be held on Monday, May 26, Memorial Day at War Memorial Park beginning at 11 a.m. and lasting until noon. The band will begin playing at 10:30. This is according to our Veterans Services Office.