Before You Read Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy - Book Summary, Analysis, Review (A favorite novel?)

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2 жыл бұрын

Welcome to the CodeX Cantina where our mission is to get more people talking about books! Always listed a one of the books you must read before you die, Anna Karenina! Krypto and Una are finally diving into this mammoth and performing an in-depth discussion as they work through it. This will cover what we wished we had known before reading Anna Karenina! For the discussion on the individual parts see the playlist below.
Leo Tolstoy may have been Russia's greatest writer and he may have been their greatest moralist. Any way you look at it, it's hard to compare the themes of love, public and private life, or adultery any closer than how Tolstoy does in this book. While I'm sure everyone will ask "what is the best translation of Anna Karenina", we think you should find the right version for you. More on this in 5 Tips for Reading Anna Karenina: • Top 5 Tips for Reading...
Anna Karenina In-Depth Playlist: • Before You Read Anna K...
Read Anna Karenina for Free: www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/1399
Listen to Anna Karenina for Free: • ANNA KARENINA by Leo T...
Part 1 Audiobook: • ANNA KARENINA by Leo T...
Anna Karenina Livestream Parts 1-4 Discussion Panel: • Anna Karenina Readalon...
Anna Karenina Livestream Parts 5-8 on ‪@TheNerdyNarrative‬
Una's copy was translated by Constance Garnett while Krypto read the Pevear and Volokhonsky translation.
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==================================
Affiliate Links for Books or Stories Mentioned in this Video:
Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy: amzn.to/30CEV7U
Channels Involved in Read-Along:
‪@ChristyLuisDostoevskyinSpace‬
‪@msrichardsreads‬
‪@TheNerdyNarrative‬
‪@EveryoneWhoReadsitMustConverse‬
==================================
#AnnaKarenina
#LeoTolstoy
#RussianLiterature
#ClassicsCommunity
======License and Copyright Info======
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Free Download/Stream: • Valence - Infinite | F...
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===== Links Referenced in this Video =====
Tolstoy's 1870s and his first inklings of wanting to write about Anna:
lithub.com/the-ecstasy-of-rea...
Russia and Church:
philarchive.org/archive/ERSRO....
Divorce Laws: pirate.shu.edu/~knightna/karen....

Пікірлер: 127

@deeplyliterature9569 2 жыл бұрын

The fact that you guys were recently nominated as a top 10 Literary Fiction podcast, put out videos like this, and then act humble is amazing. I appreciate how you guys approach literature and your passion comes through! Love this.

@TheCodeXCantina 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much! We try our best!

@ks-ok1oc Жыл бұрын

Bro Where is list of all of them. Any website

@jamesstout6280 2 жыл бұрын

I don't know how much time you guys spend putting all this together but I have to say it's awesome that you take the time to do it! I know the reward is little with books and all but for those of us that are huge book lovers, I think it's great that you do. This is a wonderful book and deserves videos like this. Much appreciated, gents. Keep it up!

@TheCodeXCantina 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much! I get the itch to put a bit more love and time into some videos so it's all good! Thanks for the kind words 🤗

@bonki8594 2 жыл бұрын

Now this is a channel that needs more traffic. This is absolutely perfect for all us literature fans or even just bookworms of any genre. Definitely showing my friends!!

@TheCodeXCantina 2 жыл бұрын

That’s very kind of you! Thanks so much

@katiewilliams5674 2 жыл бұрын

Amazing! Thank you so much for your work. I was late to the read along but I’ve now finished Anna Karenina and I’m so grateful for your videos. The themes explored in the book are still haunting me.

@TheCodeXCantina 2 жыл бұрын

You can't be late if we haven't even had the final discussion! Oh yes, I still think about how sometimes I feel like some of the people in this novel

@sarahwhitelaw3430 2 жыл бұрын

You guys make it so easy to approach the greatest books of all time! These videos are the best!!!

@TheCodeXCantina 2 жыл бұрын

Yes! This is perfect and so glad we can help people open up these books a little more easily!

@rishabhthakur8773 7 ай бұрын

Read it with fresh mind without any pre notion and assumptions. Enjoy the difference in you from others. Be your own kind. Read it in present, not with memories of past. ❤🎉

@BrandonsBookshelf 2 жыл бұрын

Ok OK Ok enough. Not that your guys' videos are not all superb and edited well, but this kind of video, versus just when you two discuss...THE EDITING! It is so so so good. This is the kind of video I want to make but have not yet persued. I am beyond impressed, and we are not even talking about the content which of course is A+! really love this!

@TheCodeXCantina 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Brandon! I can't make these too often as I run out of energy :D Takes me a lot of work!

@Johanna_reads 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent Before You Read discussion! I would love to read Tolstoy someday. His books sound so thought-provoking and challenging. Thanks for all the context to consider before reading Anna Karenina!

@TheCodeXCantina 2 жыл бұрын

Johanna! That’s awesome. I always appreciate hearing from you!!

@Starscreamlive 2 жыл бұрын

The introduction was amazing (the rest of the video was great too)!

@TheCodeXCantina 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@GreenerSideOfSam 2 жыл бұрын

I just found your channel and you have superb editing!! I read Anna Karenina this summer and I absolutely agree with the prose. Kitty is my favorite. 😊

@TheCodeXCantina 2 жыл бұрын

How kind! I think you had some livestreams with Pae a while back didn't you? Thanks for the kind words. There was quite a bit of more love put into this one so I am glad you found it turned out well! Kitty is clearly the best :D

@azazeln 2 жыл бұрын

Have been postponing the reading of this book because of its size, but after this I have to start it!

@TheCodeXCantina 2 жыл бұрын

I can relate as I have been postponing it for almost 40 years!

@_samaa 25 күн бұрын

Thank you for this video!❤

@narrativenotions3389 Ай бұрын

So glad I checked to see if Codex had a video about A.K.! I found a great copy of this book and just knew I needed a great analysis as I read it so I can get the most out of it. Thank you so much😄

@Shellyish 2 жыл бұрын

Oh my gosh! This is absolutely amazing! The editing! The editing! The duel voices! “Wasn’t just some Russian dude!” 😂 really enjoyed the conversation around morality. I loved ever single minute of it.

@TheCodeXCantina 2 жыл бұрын

Awww shucks, Shelly. Awful kind of ya 🤗

@ranakhoury2528 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for a wonderful review. I borrowed this book from our public library six weeks ago and have been postponing reading it as it seemed so huge and actually thought of returning it. But now I will just dive in.

@TheCodeXCantina 2 жыл бұрын

Oh that’s so awesome! I hope you enjoy it!!

@idan4848 2 жыл бұрын

thank you very much!It is great to have a channel like you, today Im going today to take this book from the library and read that with you.

@TheCodeXCantina 2 жыл бұрын

I hope you love the book

@ItsTooLatetoApologize 2 жыл бұрын

Great video. I really want to read this this year so thank for this context.

@TheCodeXCantina 2 жыл бұрын

I hope you enjoy it

@AhanaNags 9 ай бұрын

This video was so well made, it helped me a lot for my Honors class! Thank you!

@TheCodeXCantina 9 ай бұрын

Thanks for the kind words. Best of luck

@SaraMGreads 2 жыл бұрын

This is an amazing video. Nice work!

@TheCodeXCantina 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Sara! Hope you’re doing well

@rbrinks5 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for this video. I am beginning my first read of Anna Karenina. I really enjoyed your videos on the Brothers Karamazov and Absalom, Absalom! Looking forward to this one as well!

@TheCodeXCantina 2 жыл бұрын

Oh it’s quite different than those books. I hope you enjoy it

@MishelleLexi 2 жыл бұрын

I have been putting off watching this one until I had time to really listen to it. This was one of the classics I didn't connect with as much on my first read through. But this video made me want to reread it in the future. This is a top tier resource, well done.

@TheCodeXCantina 2 жыл бұрын

That's awesome! If you do re-read, I hope you can connect with it!

@TheCodeXCantina 2 жыл бұрын

Anna Karenina In-Depth Playlist: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/iOCBfrWFs5PMnHk.html Support on Patreon: www.patreon.com/thecodexcantina

@smalltown2223 5 ай бұрын

Long slow but brilliant books like this, are easier to read, in my case, if I imagine them as a film. For instance I imagined reading Anna Karenina as a Stanley Kubrick film, like Barry Lyndon. It really helps with the slow pace and long passages, the scene looks good even if not a lot’s happening. Hope that makes sense.

@linn8487 7 ай бұрын

Thank you for this! Gonna read the book now. Cant wait

@TheCodeXCantina 7 ай бұрын

Hope you enjoy it!

@I_Am_Adrien Жыл бұрын

This is AMAZING! Keep it up guys

@TheCodeXCantina Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the kind words

@munnaf 2 жыл бұрын

I love the before you reads!

@TheCodeXCantina 2 жыл бұрын

They are some of my favorite to put together! I'm glad some people can enjoy them!

@DebMcDonald 2 жыл бұрын

Wow what a video! I’m going to be bragging that I knew y’all before you were famous! Thanks for the push you gave me to read Anna K. I started late and finished at the end of November. I did want to talk about it when I finished and subjected my husband to a very long explanation about Anna that he didn’t understand. I’m glad I read it. The short chapters flew by. Highly recommend. Deb

@TheCodeXCantina 2 жыл бұрын

Awww shucks. You’re too kind! Isn’t it so great to read such amazing books!? I am always marveled when I read some things

@StriketheSunMD 2 жыл бұрын

i've been meaning to get to this all year so I will keep this in mind when I finally do read.

@TheCodeXCantina 2 жыл бұрын

I hope you enjoy!

@LeaningonJesuswithNanceBiswas Жыл бұрын

very informative! Thanks! 💛

@NYC.Geezer Жыл бұрын

Great video with high production values, and a Christmassy theme to boot! Thank for putting this together. I just finished the book yesterday and you provide some great details of the historical context that really help to explain the cavernous divide between the nobility and the working-class people in the story. At 10:36 you mean "sacrosanct", I think. I am now a subscriber and looking forward to more like this one.

@TheCodeXCantina Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the kind words. Oh yes, my word choice is generally off at times. Thanks for helping out!

@Thecatladybooknook_PennyD 2 жыл бұрын

I couldn't participate earlier this year but this is at the top of my list to start chipping away at sometime next year...depending on when you read War and Peace

@TheCodeXCantina 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome! I look forward to your thoughts on this or War and Peace! It should be early next year. Dates still being decided.

@fatimamirza3530 Жыл бұрын

Brilliant brief review

@TheCodeXCantina Жыл бұрын

🙏

@robertvaughan4915 Жыл бұрын

Excellet points about the book when you talk about it. Thinking about what ou said and what I read you used the right word: morality. Before I heard you two, I would think social perceptions on social issues in Russia at the time. Thanks for narrowing it further.

@kristie3720 2 жыл бұрын

Amazing!!

@TheCodeXCantina 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@MsMarivo Жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@attention5638 2 жыл бұрын

I need to find that Tolstoy shirt Una has. That is great. Krypto nailed it with the difference between Tolstoy and Dostoyevsky--one understands the history, the other the people. Of course, there are many differences, but most of their differences does stem from this one. Great point!

@TheCodeXCantina 2 жыл бұрын

Awww shucks. I think I found it on boxed lunch maybe?

@kierankehoe2275 5 ай бұрын

I don’t really understand the comment. Fyodor went deeper into a characters mind than anyone I’ve ever read. Seemed to me that he was much more into one’s mind then overall history

@PentoPaper 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this info! If you’re doing War and Peace in the new year, I’ll definitely join in 😁

@TheCodeXCantina 2 жыл бұрын

Consider it a plan then!

@applebottomjeans7 11 ай бұрын

So wish I had seen this before reading the book

@CYBONIX Жыл бұрын

Well done gentlemen. I just watched the movie and I really want to read the book now.

@TheCodeXCantina Жыл бұрын

👍

@TheNerdyNarrative 2 жыл бұрын

I need this a couple months ago…lol

@TheCodeXCantina 2 жыл бұрын

Us too!!

@anridvalishvili5908 2 жыл бұрын

Tolstoy, probably the greatest author of all time. Great channel

@TheCodeXCantina 2 жыл бұрын

GOAT

@ABlurbFromTheSerb 2 жыл бұрын

I love your videos! I was supposed to read Anna Karenina in high school, but at 16 I really did not feel like reading a giant book like that, not gonna lie. I am excited to read it now though! Thank you for making this video. When is War and peace read along happening? I may want to join :)

@TheCodeXCantina 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Ana! We were going to start War and Peace in March and read it for 3 months (Mar-May).

@ABlurbFromTheSerb 2 жыл бұрын

@@TheCodeXCantina Ah my mom is going to be here in March so I probably won’t have much time for that but if I can catch up later I’ll definitely join you guys :)

@zazenbo 8 ай бұрын

hey thanks!

@TheCodeXCantina 8 ай бұрын

Thank you!!

@crubbythebeagle57 2 жыл бұрын

nice nice to watch

@TheCodeXCantina 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much!

@guriausa Жыл бұрын

I wish I had seen this video before reading Anna Karenina. I learned the hard way about the Russian names. I was also confused by the multitude of princes and princesses lol. I just finished it and now am digging in to War and Peace.

@TheCodeXCantina Жыл бұрын

Oh yes. Another masterpiece!! I hope you enjoy it!

@skejdeg6143 Жыл бұрын

It’s not just about love. It’s about the fall of the Russian Empire. Anna is the symbol of the fall.

@rajithadasan1901 Жыл бұрын

Can anyone say the connection of Anna Karenina with the real world.(how is the book connected to our lives)

@maximpuzikov5154 2 жыл бұрын

Una, I'm curious, what is your opinion now about "A confession". Is it helpful to read it before "Anna Karenina" to understand the core of the story more deeply and consistently. Or is it too much for ordinary reader and can confuse more than clarify?

@TheCodeXCantina 2 жыл бұрын

Great question! Hmmmm. I was struggling a bit with it since I was reconciling what i thought confessions implied vs what I was reading. I think it is not necessary, I’m glad I did read it before. I wouldn’t add it to recommended pre-reads though I think. I think the character’s story it impacts the most (that I won’t mention here due to people having not read it yet) can still make sense without it.

@maximpuzikov5154 2 жыл бұрын

@@TheCodeXCantina i see what you mean and mostly agree with you. it's hard to accept that Tolstoy not a good guy as maybe most people want to think about great writers. I asked you because I had an experience with my chinese collegues that translated Tolstoy's Diaries into Chinese. So many times they was shocked and confused, cause cannot believe that they understand it right what Tolstoy think about basic values of human life such as family, relationships, faith etc.

@VioletEmerald 2 жыл бұрын

@@maximpuzikov5154 huh?

@KristenCardinale 2 жыл бұрын

“Dooblydoo”? Have you been watching Wheezy Waiter? 😂 This was a great video idea, guys. Though, I kept having to pause because I couldn’t not read all the historical information 😅

@TheCodeXCantina 2 жыл бұрын

Lol! Yeah, was having problems getting it to fit well. Clearly needed more time still

@mariaochoa9387 Жыл бұрын

I love you videos, could you please review this book called Ubuntu: A Modern Utopia by Horus Ochoa

@TheCodeXCantina Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the kind words. I’ll look into it

@fire.smok3 Жыл бұрын

I really enjoyed this book and I loved so much of its themes and insights, and its characterization is excellent. But, I don't know if I like it quite to the same level as its generally regarded. It's definitely a good book, just not among my favorites. Maybe it's because I could not bring myself to like Anna no matter what, though I appreciate some of the things her character represented and communicated. Some other details of the book bothered me too. I haven't read War and Peace or any other of Tolstoy's writings yet, but I have a feeling I will enjoy them more than Anna Karenina. Just my opinion.

@TheCodeXCantina Жыл бұрын

For sure not everyone sees themselves liking Anna. She has a lot going on.

@AwaisAli-qn9in Жыл бұрын

instead of reading it, can i listen to the audiobook or will it ruin its charm? i have been listening to audiobooks with a diary and pen with me to note or quote things!

@TheCodeXCantina Жыл бұрын

I believe in terms of classics that this would be on the end of the spectrum that is easier to listen to on audiobook. You can try and if you don’t like it, you could always switch over to the book

@lenircotia 2 жыл бұрын

How much time does pass by between Levin confessing his love to Kitty and gets rejected and until Levin returns to Kitty a second time and she confirms her love to him? Thank you for the analysis!

@lenircotia 2 жыл бұрын

Well, my question has been answered, stated in the comment before! How long is Levin gone until he returns to Kitty to ask her if she wants to merry him? Thank you!

@ayushraj131292 2 жыл бұрын

I want to read Anna Karenina but here is the thing....I have strong issues against infidelity. So I am simply wondering whether it is the kind of book which is simply not meant for me. I would like to see some suggestions from those who have read and loved Anna Karenina. Thanks in advance! 🙏

@TheCodeXCantina 2 жыл бұрын

If a book has infidelity and you do not like books that contain infidelity, you will most likely not enjoy Anna Karenina

@ayushraj131292 2 жыл бұрын

@@TheCodeXCantina Glad to know that before investing myself into reading it. So I am going to switch to a book which has piqued my interest recently.....Les Miserables. I really liked this video of yours so if you have a video for Les Miserables as well, I would love to see it.

@TheCodeXCantina 2 жыл бұрын

@@ayushraj131292 perhaps one day. I hope you enjoy Hugo’s book

@karla_blackbooker 2 жыл бұрын

Want more about Russian literature!)))

@TheCodeXCantina 2 жыл бұрын

🙏

@onajiteekure8363 Жыл бұрын

😊😊👍

@fael9993 Жыл бұрын

601 ❤

@ratherrapid Жыл бұрын

no one ever mentions the beautifully bound 2400 page Globe Illustrated Shakespeare. year about 1860 put together by a chess grandmaster having a life time interest in S.. Brilliant commentaries by such as Shlegel, Shelliing, Coeleridge et. al. copious notes. lacking only the latest scholarship currently $40.00.

@lindaemmons1448 2 жыл бұрын

@TheCodeXCantina 2 жыл бұрын

👍

@perlefisker Жыл бұрын

This is probably a good video. It is in the comments at least that also advocate for more traffic to the channel. I just wonder, how many potential viewers might be put off by the thumbnail? Who want to get a summary, analysis and review of a novel BEFORE reading it?

@TheCodeXCantina Жыл бұрын

A few minutes in we state the spoiler free stance and purpose of the video. Pretty much right after the animation. It’s not like we really say anything about plot or characters. It’s more of a discussion of Russia at the time. Kind of a different video but that’s what we like doing for these large books. Some people want just a bit more before starting a large book.

@peterb5235 2 жыл бұрын

1:47 "In 1870, a 42 year old Tolstoy turned to..." * shows a picture of Tolstoy age 98 *

@TheCodeXCantina 2 жыл бұрын

Had a hard time finding one that was on a site that clearly said it was public domain. I didn't think anyone would get too hung up on it.

@Edo9River 9 ай бұрын

The. Women always got the short end of the shaft

@Edo9River 9 ай бұрын

But don’t you think that St. Petersburg society is similar to the Victorian society and the society of all the elite, nobility. Their weakness. Are vast and their individual values are relatively restricted morally, economically, compared with the millions of toiling small farmers at the bottom of society. The nobility had all their physical needs assured as long as they. Obeyed the social rules. It’s easy to be kind with. Momentary coin, or smile towards the people walk ling in the rain outside your carriage. Their actual moral depth of character is petty and shallow compared to the struggles lof the peasant society.

@robertfranklin8704 11 ай бұрын

One of the greatest of novels, but the intellectuals often getit wrong. Anna is NOT the protagonist. She is selfish and a suicide. The book is about a successful marriage, and the Levins are the heroes.

@TheCodeXCantina 11 ай бұрын

I think I’ve seen both intellectuals and laypersons alike come to this conclusion

@58angieb 5 ай бұрын

Spoilers!! For those yet to read 'Anna Karenina '.😢

@ryanand154 4 ай бұрын

A profound misinterpretation of a very boring book. -Nabokov

@ryanand154 3 ай бұрын

The Leon Edelstein translation is not the best.

@TheRealJaded 9 ай бұрын

It's really unbecoming, in my opinion, for full grown men to be referencing animated children's movies during a review of a book written in the 1800's.

@TheCodeXCantina 9 ай бұрын

👍