I'm SO excited, I've been looking forward to read Anna Karenina. As I'm based in Italy I've chosen my preferred Italian translator, but last year I'd also bought the Penguin Pevear and Volokhonsky translation on e-book, so I'll be switching between the two. Do you think I should get Bartlett too, for completion's sake?
Looking forward to this. I have the Bartlett and the P&V translations so will do a bit of switching to see which I like best. This will be a second full read for me, with the first's being way back in 1993/94 when I was in my first year of a Russian language and literature degree at St Andrews.
Hello everyone. I just wanted to introduce myself. This my first Tolstoy and first foray into Russian literature. I am very eager to discuss this book with everyone. Happy reading!
I’ll be using a lesser known translation - by the slightly mysterious Rochelle S Townsend - and maybe hopping into others now and again.
In the meantime, here’s a fantastical film about Tolstoy that so enraged Sonya she threatened to sue and got it withdrawn. There is some documentary footage of Tolstoy himself, but Sonya is played by a woman from Portsmouth who spent her life pretending to be Russian. https://youtu.be/sylvLXsG-80?si=Iorvi3aL9SlfqhOl
Thank you for this information. I’m sure I’ll refer to it as I am reading. I love Russian Literature, but figuring out the names and keeping track of who is who makes it a bit complicated. I first read this book when I was a freshman in high school, and I read it by myself just for fun. I’m excited to revisit it and learn from you and this community. This will be my first time participating in one of your slow reads.
Henry, this is helpful, thank you! My Bartlett translation is arriving today and I am looking forward to starting this. I never did sort out the levels of Russian aristocracy in War and Peace, but perhaps Anna Karenina will make it clearer.
Same with me Susan! Different to when I read War and Peace, my intention with Anna Karenina is to go all in, make notes, and read all the comments from this group ☺️ .
I'm so excited to get started! I read AK in French a few years ago and can't wait to read it in another language and see how it compares and delve deep into the story again!
I think I'm going to give it a go. It's been a loooong time since I read Anna K. (And I had completely missed this 2012 adaptation). We'll see if I have what it takes. :)
How wonderful to have this to refer to! First time reading Tolstoy after having Anna Karenina on my bucket reading list for many years. Thank you for offering your guidance! Nan
I finished the section and am sitting on my hands. I cannot wait for our discussion. I've actually had to physically stop myself from reading ahead because I want to savor this with all of you.
Ohhh! How wonderful to put a face to the name. Thank you Henry.
I'm SO excited, I've been looking forward to read Anna Karenina. As I'm based in Italy I've chosen my preferred Italian translator, but last year I'd also bought the Penguin Pevear and Volokhonsky translation on e-book, so I'll be switching between the two. Do you think I should get Bartlett too, for completion's sake?
Wonderful! It’s so great to have you with us Ellie! I think you’ll be fine with an Italian edition and the P&V Penguin. See how you get on!
Looking forward to this. I have the Bartlett and the P&V translations so will do a bit of switching to see which I like best. This will be a second full read for me, with the first's being way back in 1993/94 when I was in my first year of a Russian language and literature degree at St Andrews.
Wonderful! Thanks so much for joining us Cams. It will be great to get your insights!
Hello everyone. I just wanted to introduce myself. This my first Tolstoy and first foray into Russian literature. I am very eager to discuss this book with everyone. Happy reading!
Great to meet you Ursula - welcome!
I’ll be using a lesser known translation - by the slightly mysterious Rochelle S Townsend - and maybe hopping into others now and again.
In the meantime, here’s a fantastical film about Tolstoy that so enraged Sonya she threatened to sue and got it withdrawn. There is some documentary footage of Tolstoy himself, but Sonya is played by a woman from Portsmouth who spent her life pretending to be Russian. https://youtu.be/sylvLXsG-80?si=Iorvi3aL9SlfqhOl
How completely extraordinary! Thank you so much for sharing John - that’s incredible! And I can see why Sonya took umbrage . . . Wow!
Thank you for this information. I’m sure I’ll refer to it as I am reading. I love Russian Literature, but figuring out the names and keeping track of who is who makes it a bit complicated. I first read this book when I was a freshman in high school, and I read it by myself just for fun. I’m excited to revisit it and learn from you and this community. This will be my first time participating in one of your slow reads.
Great to have you on board Krista! Welcome!
Henry, this is helpful, thank you! My Bartlett translation is arriving today and I am looking forward to starting this. I never did sort out the levels of Russian aristocracy in War and Peace, but perhaps Anna Karenina will make it clearer.
Same with me Susan! Different to when I read War and Peace, my intention with Anna Karenina is to go all in, make notes, and read all the comments from this group ☺️ .
I'm so excited to get started! I read AK in French a few years ago and can't wait to read it in another language and see how it compares and delve deep into the story again!
Wonderful! Great to have you on board Roxane!
Quick question, is there going to be a virtual get together or we will discuss on the 31st through this chat?
Great question Claudia! I’ll post a new newsletter on the 31st with some thoughts - and we’ll discuss in the comments there.
Thank you for this. I already started reading and I need it. Printed it out. I like the book already—can tell it’s going to be a fun read.
It’s great, isn’t it?
I think I'm going to give it a go. It's been a loooong time since I read Anna K. (And I had completely missed this 2012 adaptation). We'll see if I have what it takes. :)
Great stuff Patricia! You can do it!
How wonderful to have this to refer to! First time reading Tolstoy after having Anna Karenina on my bucket reading list for many years. Thank you for offering your guidance! Nan
It’s a pleasure! Thank you for joining us Nan.
I think iam going to try to join. I have the books here since its 2 books in my language.
BTW, does '1 to 23' mean that we read 23 or stop after 22?
Good question! It’s 1 to 23 inclusive - so stop after 23.
I finished the section and am sitting on my hands. I cannot wait for our discussion. I've actually had to physically stop myself from reading ahead because I want to savor this with all of you.