Classics > Leo Tolstoy Classics

Advantages: A masterpiece
Disadvantages: A very long masterpiece

Leo Tolstoy's Anna Karenina is an incredibly popular story. Well known and loved by many it has survived the passage of time and is as beguiling and popular now as it has ever been. I say story rather than novel as this has been the subject of many film and TV adaptations, from Greta Garbo in 1935 to Sophie Marceau in 1997 the IMDb website lists no less than 24 different adaptations, from all over the world. How popular the novel itself is is questionable, ...
...compelling. While Anna has become one of the most famous literary heroines, for much of this book her story is in the shadow of Levin's. In terms of pages and attention we spend far more time with Levin and because he is such an internal character and on such a journey of personal growth we are more emotionally invested in him rather than Anna. Through Levin Tolstoy tackles many of the key social issues facing imperial nineteenth century Russia. ... Read review

Advantages: Absolute all time classic, rewarding and worthwhile read.
Disadvantages: The sheer length of it and commitment, hard to carry on train !

This is an epic book (or rather masterpiece) and it has been an epic struggle for me to finish, but very worthwhile. I have to admit it took me an entire year to get through, partly as it was physically too large to take on the train which is when I do most of my reading. Very basically, the book is set around the Napoleonic wars, and in particular, the events that led up to Napoleon's invasion of Russia. It is written from a Russian perspective ...
...during that invasion through a hoast of characters / participants. It shows you their different perspectives and how they make sense of their experiences in a very human way, and their micro concerns and personal struggles. Tolstoy also uses the book and the stories to illustrate his own ideas about the driving forces of history, how he believes it is not determined by the leaders / rulers of society, but more by the masses. He keeps coming back ... Read review

Advantages: fantastic storyline
Disadvantages: none

"The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry" A story by John Steinbeck of friendship between 2 migrant ranch workers who have nobody but eachother, fighting to survive in great depression era California. Out on their own after having to leave their last home due to the accident proneness of Lennie Small, who, though extremely strong, has no way to control it, due to having a mental age of a young child. It is up to George, a quick witted ...
...for work for them to be able to live and eat. An apparent change of luck finds them with work and a roof over their heads but unfortunate events causes their luck to run out. An emotional tale with an ending to melt even the strongest of peoples hearts..... ... Read review

Advantages: Discover a great story of friendship and hardship
Disadvantages: Read it and you will know

...book is about the struggles of two very contrasting yet likeable charactors in the duo George and Lennie. They are two out of work and out of luck men in the depression period in the USA. They do everything together, work eat sleep everything. They even share the same dream of owning their own ranch where they can work for themselves. A thoroughly enjoyable book which I am glad that I bought, definitely surprised me more than once and especially ... Read review

Advantages: Interesting twists and turns in the plot
Disadvantages: Difficult to get into

...for the next chapter. Great Expectations: This was written in 1861, and has become known as one of the best novels of Dickens, with its strong characters such as Miss Havisham. Each installment of Great Expectations contained two chapters, and explains the crescendo's of climax found in the novel. Plot: THe story follows Pip from childhood to adulthood. At first, he is seen as an orphan, being brought up by his harsh sister and her gentle husband, ...
...deals with this. THoughts: Great Expectations is an interesting read in regards to atttitudes towards different classes, and for those who have interest in such history, there will no doubt be enjoyment from this novel. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this book, and found it a captivating read, as you identify with the feelings of many characters; Joe's continuous kindness towards Pip, Pip's desire to be a genteman, and Miss Havisham's ... Read review