Anna Karenina

Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy tells the story of Anna, a woman who seems to have everything. However, she feels dissatisfied with her life until she encounters the dashing and impetuous Count Vronsky. Their subsequent affair scandalizes both Russian society and their family and soon gives rise to jealously and bitterness. Contrasting with this tale of self-destruction and misplaced love is the story of Levin, a man attempting to find contentment and meaning in his life. This sprawling, epic story is considered by many to be the greatest novel in literature, and it explores at length the universal themes of betrayal, faith, family, marriage, society, desire, and the contrast between rural and city life.