Anna Karenina (Abridged) Audiobook, by Leo Tolstoy Play Audiobook Sample

Anna Karenina (Abridged) Audiobook

Anna Karenina (Abridged) Audiobook, by Leo Tolstoy Play Audiobook Sample
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Read By: Alfred Molina Publisher: Highbridge Audio Listen Time: at 1.0x Speed 1.83 hours at 1.5x Speed 1.38 hours at 2.0x Speed Release Date: December 2006 Format: Abridged Audiobook ISBN: 9781598872620

Quick Stats About this Audiobook

Total Audiobook Chapters:

3

Longest Chapter Length:

68:33 minutes

Shortest Chapter Length:

42:28 minutes

Average Chapter Length:

57:37 minutes

Audiobooks by this Author:

43

Other Audiobooks Written by Leo Tolstoy: > View All...

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Publisher Description

When beautiful, aristocratic, and married Anna falls madly in love with the dashing Count Vronsky, their affair shocks Russian society, tears her family apart, and leads, inevitably, to tragedy. Count Leo Tolstoy's epic story of passion, infidelity, vengeance, and retribution has held readers spellbound since it was first published in the late 1800s. Set against the fatal attraction of Anna and Vronsky, unfolding in perfect symmetry, is another love story: of the melancholy nobleman Constantin Levin and his devoted wife, Kitty. In doubt about the meaning of life, haunted by thoughts of suicide, Levin's struggles echo Tolstoy's own spiritual crisis.

Filled with unforgettable characters, rich in history and social realism, Anna Karenina is a masterpiece of world literature, a story that fires the imagination and touches the heart.

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"2 weeks spent on this book. 2 freaking weeks. Do I regret it? No. I had wished it had taken less, because I grew weary after the first week. It's heavy-going, not because it's a hard book. It requires concentration, sure, but the difficulty comes in, in that the book isn't all about this love affair. You'd expect a book titled, "Anna Karenina" to be about this woman. Well, it isn't. It's about Russian culture through, and through. There's actually little romance in comparison to the ways of philosophy, russian politics etc, that Tolstoy is trying to portray. Sure, I would have loved the book to have ben this tragic romance that rendered me awestruck, but I see why this is more important. It's Tolstoy's beliefs and hopes and fears put into a book, an 800-paged book, and that's why it's so important that it is read, so that these ideas and concept don't die out. I loved the characters, but, as you'll notice, Levin is a far more superior character in terms of pages in comparison with Anna. The book could easily have been a tiny 200-paged book, without all the ideology, and Levin. But before you regret spending 2 weeks reading the book, you have to ask yourself who Levin was, and what this book meant to it's creator."

— Abbey (5 out of 5 stars)

Anna Karenina Listener Reviews

Overall Performance: 4.09929078014184 out of 54.09929078014184 out of 54.09929078014184 out of 54.09929078014184 out of 54.09929078014184 out of 5 (4.10)
5 Stars: 74
4 Stars: 31
3 Stars: 20
2 Stars: 8
1 Stars: 8
Narration: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 (0.00)
5 Stars: 0
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Story: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 (0.00)
5 Stars: 0
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Write a Review
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Not sure I believe it is the greatest novel of all time, but definitely engaging. "

    — Heather, 2/20/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " One of the best books I have read! Will definitely read it again some day "

    — Ginny, 2/19/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Tough read. Took me way too long to finish but it was worth it! "

    — Maxine, 2/9/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Sometimes difficult to follow, but intriguing. Didn't want to put it down. "

    — Loralee, 2/8/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Anna Karenina has everything one could want in a book. Love, lust, war, sex, and even men fighting over affection. That being said, it was hard to put down, and though it being a classic, it was a super easy read. "

    — Maggie, 2/6/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Hardest book I've ever finished - due to its sheer length. Not entirely worth the effort. "

    — Lpl72, 2/4/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I'm usually not much for the classics, but I must say that I found Tolstoy's ability to convey human emotion (both male and female) as relevant as ever. Wow!!! It is hard to believe that this novel was published almost 140 years ago. Don't hesitate taking this one on. It is well worth the time getting acquainted with his intriguing characters. "

    — Ulla, 2/4/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " It was very good. Long, but good. A lot of characters to learn and some long political rants that caused my eyes to gloss over. Loved reading about the Russian culture of that time. "

    — Stacy, 2/3/2014
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " Depressing. Took me forever to read half way through it before I gave it up. "

    — Alejandra, 1/29/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This was a tough read for me, so I listened to the audiobook (extended edition), and loved it!!! All 35 plus hours:) "

    — Michelle, 1/28/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " So Long! I am happy I made it through. I learned a bit of Russian history as it went along. It was written as a serial like Dicken's books; consequently, the overwhelming length. "

    — Sharon, 1/26/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I didn't really like Anna Karenina (the character) but I really liked the parts of the book about Kitty and Levin! "

    — Lissa, 1/25/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " How can something so sad, be so good. "

    — Piper, 1/20/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This five-star novel engaged me with its characters(obviously, or I wouldn't have read such a tome) and the extensive footnotes offered a mini-history of 19th Century Russia. "

    — Lindsey, 1/20/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I love the characters in this novel. I found parts if myself in all of them. You know that Tolstoy had to know so much about so many things to write all the arguments. The last 50 or so pages dragged. And the epiphany at the end just seemed to easy. "

    — Jordan, 1/17/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I enjoyed Anna Karenina far more than War and Peace. Anna Karenina truly proves that Tolstoy was a master of his craft at writing about human nature and all of the subtleties it involves, concerning love, death, living, and purpose. Although each character seems to have three or four names he/she goes by, I was so involved in the book that I got used to it and it became part of the charm. Having mostly Russian blood in me, I appreciated reading about Russian aristocratic culture, as well as the less glamorous but more truthful artist's culture. Following the lives of these characters was funny, exciting, and sad. I think this is Tolstoy's masterpiece. "

    — Brett, 1/16/2014
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Hate Me If you must but frankly speaking Anna Kareninna failed to impress me at all. The Fact that its is a classic made me want to read it. but as i read it it was like i entered a new world yet to disocover and as i was pondering over the fact that where was i and I completetly Found my way back home easy breasy beacuse this book Bored me to death . There were a few chapters that were thought prevocking like the chapter in which dolly found out that her husband Prince stepen Oblonksy was enjoying the compnay of their Governess and the audacity of oblonksy to Apolgize to DOLLY was eccentric. The chapter where ANNA's husband Count Alexei Alexandrovich found out about her Salacious affair with vronsky was also very intreguing and story about dolly and Oblonsky and then the story of About levin propsing to kitty who Loved dolly at frist but after Dolly's conjugation he had no other choice to propose to kitty which she Deliberately turned down in order for her betrothal to the Dashing counts vronsky who fell in Love for ANNA who had a little son and a loving husband. will this may seem easily put out but actually it was a whole lot of confusion and delussion in the book. the book is same as a city yet to discover but unware of the Fact that the city was just a bunch of twist and turns and bends which confuse you completley and there in that frenzy you realize the money you wasted on this whole trip all went in vain is Depressing. Anna karinina is just a Moasic,apealing yet complicated filled with realtions and DRAMA giving the dellussion that it may be a work of Pure genious and may be a lavish production, but it still carries the simplistic air of a soap opera. and the Movie O_O was a chery on top on a perfect sunday it was a disaster and yet i had hight hopes for Anna Karinina the Movie Ofcoure in which stars One of my famous adorred keira Knightly which in my eyes is a flawless actress but the movie was Worse and yet it won an oscar for best Costume Design. To others anna kareina may be classic and but to me it was boring and i would prefer to read Leo tolstoy WAR and Peace which has God knows how many pages and others works from him. Long story short ANNA karenina is just like a faberge egg which you buy at a expensive price and then Open with such delight and Hopes that there must be something inside it a treat perhaps a candy a gold biscuit but you find Nothing. -_- "

    — Hasnain, 1/13/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I enjoyed the intertwining storylines, as well as the style this book was written in. "

    — Christine, 1/12/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I wish I had time to read this again. It was a remarkable story about love, life, family, truth, dignity, status, and society. It was, for me both a book about nothing and a book about everything. Seinfeld for the 19th century. "

    — Royce, 1/12/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This was my first novel by Leo Tolstoy. It definitely won't be the last. This story was not only everything I expected it to be, but so much more! A reread is up for consideration. "

    — Monica, 1/10/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " one of my most favorite books of all time! "

    — Jules, 1/8/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " One of my all time favor. "

    — Di, 1/6/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " favorite book of all time. "

    — Lauren, 1/3/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I loved this book! Initially as it is by Tolstoy i thought it might be a bit dry, but i was happily surprised withthe drama, characters and weaving storylines. "

    — Sophie, 1/3/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This is by far my most favorite book of all time. Absolutely amazing. "

    — Riley, 1/3/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I'm not sure what to make of this book. It's a "classic" and a lot of people love it. For my tastes there are too many characters and no firm direction for the plot. The title character is so insecure and selfish, it's hard to have any sympathy for her whatsoever. In the end, it's hard to tell what the point of the book was, especially with it's almost sermonizing end. Not my cup of tea but not a horrible book. "

    — Jeni, 1/2/2014
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " An 800 page book that I think is very much ove-rated. Anna leaves her husband and son for a lover and then has devastating results. "

    — Janis, 1/2/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Rarely have I read characters with more humanity. Tolstoy is the master. "

    — Caitlin, 12/31/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " The sheer size of the book can be daunting, but this translation makes it well worth the read. A wonderfully romantic read that takes you back in time. Tolstoy is an amazing writer! "

    — Kim, 12/30/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Much much more than a love story -- this novel (maybe the best of all time) -- purveys an intimate look at every human emotion. "

    — Guy, 12/30/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Loved the writing, but I just really disagreed with HER "

    — Kaire, 12/28/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Such a compelling work, loaded with character. I've read it three times and always come away with something new. "

    — Fran, 12/28/2013
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " I did not like this book, don't know how it was a classic! It was depressing, I couldn't stand the characters! "

    — Barb, 12/25/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " One of my all time favor. "

    — Di, 12/19/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " it was my one smart college book "

    — Erin, 12/17/2013
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Alright, so this is a classic and I've always wanted to read it; but honestly, I can't stand the snail pace of everything. The small talk dialogue and the second to second events which clearly are not necessary for the plot. I give up! Closing book and putting it away. "

    — Noura, 12/17/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I really love the story of Anna Karenina,.. annoying but still great. "

    — Jehan, 12/16/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Raw and emotionally charged. It took me forever, but I loved the reading experience. Many truths about life exposed. "

    — Angelacannon, 12/16/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Such a sad and tragic story of a women wed to young to know love and then finds in against the acceptable ways of society. Today no one would bat an eye but back then it was such a huge scandal it left children motherless. "

    — Emily, 12/15/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I wish I had time to read this again. It was a remarkable story about love, life, family, truth, dignity, status, and society. It was, for me both a book about nothing and a book about everything. Seinfeld for the 19th century. "

    — Royce, 12/13/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I wish I had time to read this again. It was a remarkable story about love, life, family, truth, dignity, status, and society. It was, for me both a book about nothing and a book about everything. Seinfeld for the 19th century. "

    — Royce, 12/9/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I both loved and hated this book. It ended perfectly and thus the 4 star review. Best quote: "you consider war to be inevitable? Very good. Let everyone who advocates war be enrolled in a special regiment of advance-guards, for the front of every storm, of every attack, to lead them all." "

    — Judithbledsoe, 12/2/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I expected a lot more from this one. I just couldn't like or love Anna with her issues. "

    — Ralitsa, 11/25/2013
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " I give credit to Tom Stoppard, the screen writer, who turned this lengthy, truly Russian (in every sense), pensive, and philosophical book into a well crafted film. The book can wait. "

    — Jordyn, 11/22/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Sometimes great classic books are ho-hum and other times their greatness is apparent. This is a classic book with obvious greatness. Considered one of the best novels of all time, it is a great read, and worth your time. "

    — Dave, 11/22/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Its very much a woman's book. I could not really get interested in the ins and outs of Anna's love affairs. "

    — Maurice, 11/19/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " How can something so sad, be so good. "

    — Piper, 11/19/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Maybe not a work of art, but it's a story that truly took my heart, and to each book that does that to me, I give 5 stars! "

    — Tihana, 11/16/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " After the first couple chapters I was tempted to just put it down and walk away, however since I had only read a couple excerpts of the book in highschool, I decided to finsih what I had started. In the end it was quite interesting, although it will never be one of my favorites. "

    — Stephanie, 11/15/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Loved the authors writing style. I'm puzzled why everyone loved Anna even though she knew what she was doing was wrong and destroyed virtually everything she ever knew in life that was good. I guess that was the point of the story. "

    — Mark, 11/15/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I'm very glad I read it. "

    — Donna, 11/13/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " One of my all time favor. "

    — Di, 11/10/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I'm in the process of reading this book, and I love the way Tolstoy writes. However, his is exptremely long winded, thus why I am not finished. I hope I finish it sometime, but I read a bit and then read something else, and then come back to it. Eventually I'll finish. "

    — Kendra, 11/9/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Good read, a little sad, but I love to read old classics. "

    — Thea, 11/8/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " It was ok.. Wouldn't do it again. "

    — Adrina, 11/7/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " My version was translated by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky "

    — Melissa, 10/25/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " It does a good job to say many things but I didn't love nor hate the book. "

    — Paul, 9/22/2013
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " I don't know if I'm ever going to finish...there is a reason why I majored in 19th century British lit. "

    — Elizabeth, 8/26/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I must say i agree the plot is highly annoying but one appreciates Tolstoy beautiful writing and understanding of complex human nature. "

    — Janil, 8/19/2013
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " Spoiler alert...she dies and still the book goes on for another 100 pages!!!! I'm planning on burning it soon ;) "

    — Rebecca, 8/18/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " One big and amazingly good written chunk of literture. A true masterpiece of plot structure and character's construction. I can't believe though, how incredibly stupid Anna was... and how ungrateful... "

    — Olga, 6/20/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Tough to get through but generally worth tackling. "

    — Arielle, 6/13/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Loved this book when I read it years ago in high school. "

    — Karen, 5/31/2013
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " 12 days of my life I'd like back please! Unsympathetic characters. Dull. And a bizarre section on Russian agriculture. No thanks Tolstoy! "

    — Kari, 4/28/2013
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " I loved War and Peace, but could not get a quarter through Anna Karenina. Maybe it was the poor and stilted translation, but I agree with the Amazon reviewer who said it was nothing but a soap opera. The Joe Wright film was much better. "

    — Peter, 4/1/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I'd actually give it a 4.5 stars. Glad I finally read it!! "

    — Traci, 2/22/2013
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " I couldn't even finish it. I don't remember the last time i didn't finish a book. It was so slow and boring that i just had to stop forcing myself to get through it. "

    — Rachel, 2/13/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I liked it but not as much as War and Peace. Tolstoy presents confusing characters and events which are disconcerting because they seem to show that in fact personal drama changes nothing in society. Some ideas could in fact be applied today. "

    — Mechas, 2/10/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Sometimes difficult to follow, but intriguing. Didn't want to put it down. "

    — Loralee, 1/10/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Awesome book! I guess I will re-read it one day! "

    — Ekaterina, 12/20/2012
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " It must be me but I found this book boring. The movie was so much better since it cut out a lot of the political stuff. Also, the ending was quite predictable about half-way through the book "

    — Stacy, 12/17/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Tough read. Took me way too long to finish but it was worth it! "

    — Maxine, 10/25/2012
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " oh my gosh...never was I so happy to have a book end! I can't believe I even finished it. What a bunch of tangents Tolstoy goes off on. There is very little actual plot about anything and a whole bunch of musings on everything. I read it, I did it, it's over...Thank God! "

    — Shelly, 10/22/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " One of the most dramatic novel you will read, the questions is, can you hold your tears? "

    — Mohamed, 10/21/2012
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " I listened to this book on CD, and it was 27 CD's long! Some parts really dragged by. Some parts were captivating and interesting. I'm glad I made it through it. But it took me almost a year to do so (I kept having to turn it back in to the library). "

    — Dianabeth67, 10/18/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I read this book in high school and i am so glad that i decided to re-read it as an adult. It was beautiful and fascinating. "

    — Theresa, 10/12/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " It took me a little while to get used to all the Russian names, but after I got used to them I actually enjoyed this book. I do feel that I could have skipped part 8. There was no plot in that whole part. Just Levin reconciling his philosophy on life. "

    — Alastair, 10/12/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Good read just about 200 pages to long. "

    — Pamela, 9/29/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Man, that one took a while. Not a book that would make in on the shelf today, but worth reading. An author should give the reader a feel for his life and time and Tolstoy does that. In a way, it's comforting to see the concerns and debates on his time were the same as today. "

    — Paul, 8/29/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Minus all the political agenda of Tolstoy, the story was good. It could have definitely been shortened. Sad though. "

    — Joy, 8/25/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " One of the best books I've ever read. "

    — David, 8/24/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I never wanted a character to die as much as I wanted Anna Karenina to die!!! "

    — J., 8/6/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Omg...I can't stop reading this, I"m so absorbed in the characters' lives. I can't even live. "

    — Cecilia, 7/30/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Saddest. Book. EVER. It's not like you can't see it coming--him dumping her & moving on with someone his family approves of. It's like a slow-motion train wreck. So futile! I love the angst of it all! "

    — Nora, 7/13/2012
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " I give credit to Tom Stoppard, the screen writer, who turned this lengthy, truly Russian (in every sense), pensive, and philosophical book into a well crafted film. The book can wait. "

    — Jordyn, 5/19/2012
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " I really didn't enjoy this book very much but made myself read it. It seemed to me like the two different stories could have been made into two different books. "

    — Jennifer, 5/7/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Loved the history of this time period. "

    — Joann, 4/28/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " By far one of my favorite books of all time. A true classic. "

    — Cyndi, 4/16/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " tolstoy has succeeded to show his thoughts of criticism for the political era at that time, wrote them down into an outstanding love story "

    — Agnes, 1/25/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Tolstoy is a genius of psychology. He gets right into the heads of the characters. But for my taste it's all a bit too slow. I understand why some people adore it - but I had to make myself finish it. Was more interested in Levin & Kitty than Anna and Vronsky "

    — Rebecca, 1/16/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Read it 6 years ago.. what all i remember is feeling satisfied after reading it. "

    — Deepika, 11/19/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " One of my favorite books, and Levin is by far my favorite fictional character. Don't let the length discourage you, or the fact that the movie was kindof a flop. "

    — Alicia, 10/8/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I really love the story of Anna Karenina,.. annoying but still great. "

    — Jehan, 10/5/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I never thought I would get through this book but, in fact, it was much more interesting than I thought, and I learned quite a lot. I read it rapidly and with interest. This is a true classic. "

    — Leslie, 9/28/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I saw the recent movie adaptation. There's so much more in the book. I marveled at Tolstoy's character development and his acute understanding of people's perceptions and reasoning. My what a great thinker he was. "

    — eric, 9/28/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Really beautiful! There is a reason why it is a classic! Loved it! "

    — Tina, 8/23/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Beautiful story. It's one of the best books I have ever read. It makes you feel that you want to live in that time, not in 21th century. I'll definitely read more from Tolstoy. "

    — Sdf456, 7/13/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This five-star novel engaged me with its characters(obviously, or I wouldn't have read such a tome) and the extensive footnotes offered a mini-history of 19th Century Russia. "

    — Lindsey, 6/19/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I listened to the audiobook. I enjoyed this more than War and Peace, but my heart still belongs to Nabokov! "

    — Lauretta, 6/6/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " loved it.tough reading tolstoy though- descriptive to a fault! "

    — Joey, 6/2/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This would be a great book to discuss although I did not consider it an easy read. "

    — Jackie, 5/24/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I read the Magarshack translation. A great book. "

    — Mike, 5/22/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " A very long soap opera. Some parts of the book were page turners, other parts were a drag to get through. Very good author and can display the characters emotions on you with precision, overall not bad. "

    — Steven, 5/22/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I read the Magarshack translation. A great book. "

    — Mike, 5/22/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " A very long soap opera. Some parts of the book were page turners, other parts were a drag to get through. Very good author and can display the characters emotions on you with precision, overall not bad. "

    — Steven, 5/22/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I read the Magarshack translation. A great book. "

    — Mike, 5/22/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " A very long soap opera. Some parts of the book were page turners, other parts were a drag to get through. Very good author and can display the characters emotions on you with precision, overall not bad. "

    — Steven, 5/22/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I read the Magarshack translation. A great book. "

    — Mike, 5/22/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " A very long soap opera. Some parts of the book were page turners, other parts were a drag to get through. Very good author and can display the characters emotions on you with precision, overall not bad. "

    — Steven, 5/22/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This was the perfect book to read while snowed in for weeks! ( well, snowed in by choice) "

    — Cissie, 5/19/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This was a long one, but I got attached to the characters. It's a good one. "

    — Crystal, 5/19/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This was a long one, but I got attached to the characters. It's a good one. "

    — Crystal, 5/19/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This was the perfect book to read while snowed in for weeks! ( well, snowed in by choice) "

    — Cissie, 5/19/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This was the perfect book to read while snowed in for weeks! ( well, snowed in by choice) "

    — Cissie, 5/19/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This was a long one, but I got attached to the characters. It's a good one. "

    — Crystal, 5/19/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This was the perfect book to read while snowed in for weeks! ( well, snowed in by choice) "

    — Cissie, 5/19/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This was a long one, but I got attached to the characters. It's a good one. "

    — Crystal, 5/19/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " To think I'd have anything to add... Tolstoy is always so deeply, deeply human. And I love him for it. "

    — Heather, 5/18/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " To think I'd have anything to add... Tolstoy is always so deeply, deeply human. And I love him for it. "

    — Heather, 5/18/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " To think I'd have anything to add... Tolstoy is always so deeply, deeply human. And I love him for it. "

    — Heather, 5/18/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " To think I'd have anything to add... Tolstoy is always so deeply, deeply human. And I love him for it. "

    — Heather, 5/18/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Takes a long time, but well worth it! "

    — Becky, 5/17/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Takes a long time, but well worth it! "

    — Becky, 5/17/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Takes a long time, but well worth it! "

    — Becky, 5/17/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Takes a long time, but well worth it! "

    — Becky, 5/17/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " My favorite book ... Ever! "

    — Brenda, 5/16/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " My favorite book ... Ever! "

    — Brenda, 5/16/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " My favorite book ... Ever! "

    — Brenda, 5/16/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " My favorite book ... Ever! "

    — Brenda, 5/16/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Tolstoy writes like nobody else I have ever read. He can describe the simplest or most complex situation or human emotion "eyes and smiles" are what make you fall in love. Anna, Levin, Vronsky, Kitty, Dolly, what unforgettable characters. A great read. "

    — Magdad, 5/13/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Very impressive book, sad too but the kind of book that stays with you for a while. "

    — Katinka, 5/13/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Tolstoy writes like nobody else I have ever read. He can describe the simplest or most complex situation or human emotion "eyes and smiles" are what make you fall in love. Anna, Levin, Vronsky, Kitty, Dolly, what unforgettable characters. A great read. "

    — Magdad, 5/13/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Very impressive book, sad too but the kind of book that stays with you for a while. "

    — Katinka, 5/13/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Very impressive book, sad too but the kind of book that stays with you for a while. "

    — Katinka, 5/13/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Tolstoy writes like nobody else I have ever read. He can describe the simplest or most complex situation or human emotion "eyes and smiles" are what make you fall in love. Anna, Levin, Vronsky, Kitty, Dolly, what unforgettable characters. A great read. "

    — Magdad, 5/13/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Tolstoy writes like nobody else I have ever read. He can describe the simplest or most complex situation or human emotion "eyes and smiles" are what make you fall in love. Anna, Levin, Vronsky, Kitty, Dolly, what unforgettable characters. A great read. "

    — Magdad, 5/13/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Very impressive book, sad too but the kind of book that stays with you for a while. "

    — Katinka, 5/13/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Beautiful. You can tell Tolstoy cares about his characters, even when they are unlikeable. "

    — Sarah, 5/12/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Beautiful. You can tell Tolstoy cares about his characters, even when they are unlikeable. "

    — Sarah, 5/12/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Beautiful. You can tell Tolstoy cares about his characters, even when they are unlikeable. "

    — Sarah, 5/12/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Beautiful. You can tell Tolstoy cares about his characters, even when they are unlikeable. "

    — Sarah, 5/12/2011

About Leo Tolstoy

Leo Tolstoy (1828–1910) was born about two hundred miles from Moscow. His mother died when he was two, his father when he was nine. His parents were of noble birth, and Tolstoy remained acutely aware of his aristocratic roots, even when he later embraced doctrines of equality and the brotherhood of man. After serving in the army in the Caucasus and Crimea, where he wrote his first stories, he traveled and studied educational theories. In 1862 he married Sophia Behrs and for the next fifteen years lived a tranquil, productive life, finishing War and Peace in 1869 and Anna Karenina in 1877. In 1879 he underwent a spiritual crisis; he sought to propagate his beliefs on faith, morality, and nonviolence, writing mostly parables, tracts, and morality plays. Tolstoy died of pneumonia in 1910 at the age of eighty-two.

About Alfred Molina

Alfred Molina is an actor and winner of numerous Earphones Awards for audiobook narration. His films include Spiderman II, Frida, Magnolia, Chocolat, Boogie Nights, The Perez Family, Maverick, Enchanted April, Not Without My Daughter, Raiders of the Lost Ark and Prick Up Your Ears. He has appeared extensively on British and American television, including the TV series Bram & Alice and Ladies’ Man. He received a Tony Award nomination, a Drama Desk Award, and an Outer Critics Circle Award for his performance in Art on Broadway. He also performed on Broadway in Molly Sweeney and in Speed the Plow for the National Theatre in London.