Anna Karenina
by Leo Tolstoy
Russian • Public Domain • Free to stream
Anna Karenina, published in 1878, is widely considered one of the greatest novels ever written. Tolstoy opens with one of literature's most famous lines: "All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way." The novel follows Anna, a beautiful and respected aristocrat married to the older Karenin, who falls passionately in love with the dashing cavalry officer Count Vronsky. Abandoning her husband and young son, she enters a love affair that slowly destroys her. Running alongside Anna's story is the contrasting tale of Levin, a landowner who finds meaning through honest work and love. An enormous, breathtaking portrait of Russian society, love, marriage, and the search for meaning. Stream free, no account required.
About the book: Anna Karenina
Anna Karenina was first published in book form in 1878 by the Russian author Leo Tolstoy, having initially been released in serial installments from 1875 to 1877 in the periodical The Russian Messenger. As he was finishing up the last installments, Tolstoy was in an anguished state of mind and came to hate the work, finishing it unwillingly.
The novel deals with themes of betrayal, faith, family, marriage, Imperial Russian society, desire, and the differences between rural and urban life. The story centres on an extramarital affair between Anna and cavalry officer Count Alexei Kirillovich Vronsky that scandalises the social circles of Saint Petersburg and forces the young lovers to flee to Italy in pursuit of happiness, but after they return to Russia, their lives further unravel.
Often considered to be among the greatest works of world literature, Tolstoy himself called it his first true novel.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Anna Karenina free to listen to?
Yes, Anna Karenina is completely free to stream. No account, no subscription, and no ads required. It is in the public domain.
Who wrote Anna Karenina?
Anna Karenina was written by Leo Tolstoy.
Is Anna Karenina in the public domain?
Yes, Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy is in the public domain and free to read, share, and listen to worldwide.
How long is Anna Karenina to listen to?
Anna Karenina takes approximately 35 hours to listen to in full.
When was Anna Karenina written?
Anna Karenina was first published in 1878. It is now in the public domain and free to stream.
Who narrates Anna Karenina?
Anna Karenina uses AI multi-voice narration. Each character has a distinct voice — narrators, heroes, villains and supporting characters all sound different, making it easy to follow the story.
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What genre is Anna Karenina?
Anna Karenina is Classic Novel. It is a classic work of literature now in the public domain.