Anna Karenina

 

This is not a synopsis or a report on my thoughts on "Anna Karenina" by Leo Tolstoy an 1878 novel. I am simply saying that I did order it on Amazon. I look forward to reading it even though it will take me a long time at 870+ pages. It has been a while since I've plunged myself into a good novel, and I hope to get back the habit. I will also only buy hard-cover books from now on.

Tolstoy is a very good writer and has special significance to me. He is so good, in fact, that he tends to influence my life. When I read "The Death of Ivan Ilyich" I changed certain aspects of my life, perhaps for the better, perhaps not. Anyway, he may be my favourite or most revered writer. I look forward to getting into the book.

I was thinking of getting a Kobo, but then decided I will stick to physical copies. I think ink on a page is probably the best way to do it, although good light is required so as to not create strain on the eyes. The advantage of a Kobo or e-reader, I think, is that the screen is backlit. They are very expensive however, at $170+. The latest ones have colour screens and allow you to highlight lines and sentences. Perhaps one day. I would like to improve my book collection first. I will probably blog about the novel as I'm reading it, sharing thoughts. For now, all I have to say is that Tolstoy is a fantastic writer. I also read "War and Peace" a long time ago, and was moved by it, although it took me far too long - the better part of a year. I found the battle scenes in that book to be hard to get through and long. But in terms of scope, it is unparalleled.