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Anna Karenina

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Anna Karenina

By: Leo Tolstoy
Narrated by: Maggie Gyllenhaal
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About this listen

Winner: Audible's Best of 2016 - Classic

"Anna Karenina is one of my favorite books. But when I agreed to read it for Audible, I had no idea how much work it would be, how intense it would be, and how deeply I would fall in love with it. There were places where I thought 'if I don't give Alexey Alexandrovitch the respect that he deserves in my reading of this scene, a critical part of the book will be ruined. If I don't give EVERYONE the utmost respect and understanding, I'm not doing justice to this brilliantly compassionate book.' But at the same time, I also wanted to have a light touch in the way I played the different characters, so that the magnificence of the novel could shine through. I feel like performing this novel is one of the major accomplishments of my work life - it was so challenging and so deep, a real pleasure." (Narrator Maggie Gyllenhaal)

Leo Tolstoy's classic story of doomed love is one of the most admired novels in world literature. Generations of readers have been enthralled by his magnificent heroine, the unhappily married Anna Karenina, and her tragic affair with dashing Count Vronsky. Maggie Gyllenhaal (The Dark Knight, The Honourable Woman) cites Tolstoy's epic as one of her favorite books of all time, and her love for the literature permeates her performance. Anna Karenina is a masterpiece not only because of the unforgettable woman at its core and the stark drama of her fate but also because it explores and illuminates the deepest questions about how to live a fulfilled life.

Public Domain (P)2016 Audible, Inc. Classics Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Fiction Romance Russia
All stars
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Having tried and failed to read a different 'classic' long ago and taking into account how much I enjoyed M.G.'s narration of another (much shorter ) book, I decided to purchase this.

It took a while to get into, around the end of part 3 is where it got much easier to 'read' for me.

In spite of not loving most of the Levin chapters(honestly wondered why this wasn't named Konstantin Levin/Anna Karenina multiple times), I would still recommend this book.

Worth it

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I have tried to read this book at least three times but could never get into it. It was only when it was read to me by the talented Maggie Gyllenhaal that I finally started enjoying and appreciating this book. M Gyllenhaal conveys the meaning that I was missing left to my own devices. If I did not find this audible version I doubt I would have ever read or appreciated this book,

Perfection!

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This is story is considered perfect by many, more learned, people than I am, and deservedly so. It is a magnificent epic and sensitively read. The narrator obviously loved this book.

Beautiful

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a very long story but well read . I did get a bit mixed up with the characters at times.

most enjoyable

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Maggie G recites this story with such passion. I was left on the edge of my seat each time I had to pause it!

Very entertained

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a measured and dignified narration- no affected or exaggerated accents or tones which in other narrations tend to sensationalise or mock or trivialise particular characters. Each character is dignified by Gyllenhaal's sober AND expressive voice - each character is afforded subtle nuances of expression - and this perfectly parallels the generous and careful and deferent treatment tolstoy extends to his characters over the 800 plus pages he dedicates to their lives

A Lovely Narration Performed Without Affectation

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A brilliant book made, if possible, even better by Maggie Gyllenhaal's excellent narration. I could listen to her all day, and I have.

Brilliance from author and narrator

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I can't fault anything. The story was incredible and Maggie Gyllenhaal was outstanding. Maggie brought the story to life so much that I listened from the time I woke up, in the car and as soon as I got home from work. So addictive.

Brilliant

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I first attempted to read Leo Tolstoy when I was 20 years old and I had to give up, I remember it was too difficult to keep up with all the names and the books were quite bulky. 20 years later I read two of his novels and I couldn't be happier, it took me a while to appreciate Tolstoy's genius! this novel is a must read.

A must read novel

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A long listen and took some concentration but there is nothing to compare to Tolstoy’s use of language. His depth of description brings characters to life and gives an insight into Russian life at the time.
Totally worth it!

Classic!

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