Anna Karenina

Leo Tolstoy

Publisher: Real Publishing & Gian Rossini

Summary

Anna Karenina (Russian: «Анна Каренина», IPA: [ˈanːə kɐˈrʲenʲɪnə]) is a novel by the Russian author Leo Tolstoy, first published in book form in 1878. Many writers consider it to be one of the greatest works of literature ever written, and Tolstoy himself called it his first true novel. It was initially released in serial installments from 1875 to 1877, all but the last part appearing in the periodical The Russian Messenger.
A complex novel in eight parts, with more than a dozen major characters, Anna Karenina is spread over more than 800 pages (depending on the translation and publisher), typically contained in two volumes. It deals with themes of betrayal, faith, family, marriage, Imperial Russian society, desire, and rural vs. city life. The story centers on an extramarital affair between Anna and dashing cavalry officer Count Alexei Kirillovich Vronsky that scandalizes the social circles of Saint Petersburg and forces the young lovers to flee to Italy in a search for happiness, but after they return to Russia, their lives further unravel.
Trains are a recurring motif throughout the novel, with several major plot points taking place either on passenger trains or at stations in Saint Petersburg or elsewhere in Russia. The story takes place against the backdrop of the liberal reforms initiated by Emperor Alexander II of Russia and the rapid societal transformations that followed. The novel has been adapted into various media including theatre, opera, film, television, ballet, figure skating, and radio drama.

Available since: 09/27/2021.

Other books that might interest you

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

Washington Irving

Washington Irvine’s tale of an awkward and lanky schoolmaster who comes to Sleepy Hollow is brought to life with sound effects and original thematic music. 
Written in 1819, the short story is set in about 1790 and describes the events that unfold when Ichabod Crane comes to Sleepy Hollow to teach school in the small Dutch settlement. Ichabod is a firm believer of the tales of ghosts and witchcraft he has heard and read, including the local legend of the Headless Horseman who haunts the area. 
As Ichabod begins to court Katrina Van Tassel, the daughter of a wealthy farmer, he incurs the rath of Brom Bones, a jealous rival for Katrina’s affections who often plays cruel tricks on the awkward schoolmaster. 
Late one night as Ichabod rides home after a party at Katrina’s home, he comes face to face with the headless horseman and is never seen again.

Show book

Brewster's Millions

George Barr McCutcheon

This classic tragicomic tale from George Barr McCutcheon transforms everyone’s favorite caviar-and-champagne dream into a soul-shaking test of mistrust and reckless spending Popular, good-looking, and enterprising, Montgomery Brewster is the toast of New York. While celebrating his twenty-fifth birthday among friends, Monty receives word that his grandfather has died. Before long, New York is abuzz with the news. When Monty inherits $1 million from his affluent grandfather, out comes a parade of would-be advisers and so-called inventors who promise the world to the skeptical millionaire.   Just as Monty begins to adjust to his new situation, yet another portentous note comes out of the blue: an equally wealthy, exceedingly eccentric uncle, James T. Sedgwick, has left Monty an additional $7 million. But there’s a catch: In order to exact revenge on Monty’s grandfather from the grave, Sedgwick’s will decrees that, in order to inherit the money, his nephew must fritter away every cent his grandfather toiled to save—and he can tell no one.   George Barr McCutheon’s brilliant story of fortunes squandered and gained, love lost and found, and one wild spending spree will delight contemporary readers.   This ebook has been professionally proofread to ensure accuracy and readability on all devices.

Show book

The Island of Dr Moreau - A...

H. G. Wells

Englishman Edward Prendick finds himself shipwrecked on the open ocean. When a passing ship takes him aboard and revives him, things are starting to look less gloomy for the young scientist. Yet little does he know things about to get much worse. He is taken to an abandoned island occupied only by Dr. Moreau, a disgraced English scientist for his unethical treatment of live creatures. Prendick finds that the Doctor has been up to old habits, using the island's animals to create animal-human hybrids. Prendick must learn to survive among these creatures, while uncovering even more deadly mysteries about Doctor and the strange inhabitants of the island in this classic sci-fi tale.

Show book

Who Was to Blame?

Anton Chekhov

Anton Chekhov's Who Was to Blame? is a complex narrative that examines the culpability of human beings when confronted with difficult ethical dilemmas. Through his use of intricate subplots and symbolism, Chekhov crafts an exploration of moral ambiguity, challenging the reader to consider the impacts of individual decisions on larger societal issues. Throughout the story, Chekhov uses real-life characters and scenarios to invite readers to contemplate their own ethical responsibilities. Read in English, unabridged.

Show book

Lie Down in Darkness

William Styron

This portrait of a Southern family’s downfall was the literary debut of the #1 New York Times–bestselling author of Sophie’s Choice.   A finalist for the National Book Award, Lie Down in Darkness centers on the Loftis family—Milton and Helen and their daughters, Peyton and Maudie. The story, told through a series of flashbacks on the day of Peyton’s funeral, is a powerful depiction of a family doomed by its failure to forget and its inability to love.  Written in masterful prose that “achieves real beauty” (The Washington Post), William Styron’s debut novel offers unflinching insight into the ineradicable bonds of place and family. The story of Milton, Helen, and their children reveals much about life’s losses and disappointments.  Lie Down in Darkness, poignant and compelling, is a classic of modern American literature from the author who went on to earn high critical acclaim—with a Pulitzer Prize for The Confessions of Nat Turner and a National Book Award for Sophie’s Choice—and a place at the top of the New York Times bestseller list. This ebook features a new illustrated biography of William Styron, including original letters, rare photos, and never-before-seen documents from the Styron family and the Duke University Archives.

Show book

Rip Van Winkle - A Robin Reads...

Washington Irving

Washington Irving's classic tale of supernatural shenanigans involving the titular loveable layabout, Rip Van Winkle, who falls asleep in the mountains near his colonial village and wakes up in a new American nation. 
First published in 1819. Narrated by Robin Reads.

Show book