Classics Without All the Class discussion

Now, I am a fairly rapid reader, and can usually plow through an average book in a day, while an epic fantasy novel usually provides less than a week's entertainment, but Anna Karenina is killing me. I have barely gotten through part five after starting early. Judging by the lack of activity on the forums lately, it can not be just me having this issue.
Any advice from those who have gone through the book already, or tales of a similar situation to make me feel less alone?

I have been readng this book -- off and on -- for about three weeks. I am only at 45% on the kindle. Probably not a good advice, but I find myself skimming the dreadfully long parts that go on and on endlessly about one subject, and stick to reading the important parts of the story.

Shea,

Thank you for writing this thread so that others who feel like giving up will go on and do not feel alone!

I figured this book would be overwhelming for me, so what helped me was creating a schedule I found to be somewhat "doable." I read 10 pages per day or 70 pages per week. I didn't pressure myself to do any more than that. No matter how much or how little you chose to read, if you do read something every day or every week, it will get done.

Definitely keep going. Even if you don't finish by Friday, that's fine too. I haven't read every book this group has read and I'm hoping to catch up on books from months ago since I just joined in December. I just read Madame Bovary this past month and I'm glad I did it.

Thanks again for writing this thread. Let us know how you progress.

Pam wrote: "I have been readng this book -- off and on -- for about three weeks. I am only at 45% on the kindle. Probably not a good advice, but I find myself skimming the dreadfully long parts that go on an..."

That makes sense, but then I end up being afraid that I'll skip some minor detail that will end up being important in three chapters. That's probably a side effect from reading Game of Thrones before bed and then missing major plot points.

I'm thinking of just going all out and listening to the audio while reading and hoping it will go through my think skull.

Shea wrote: "Pam wrote: "I have been readng this book -- off and on -- for about three weeks. I am only at 45% on the kindle. Probably not a good advice, but I find myself skimming the dreadfully long parts t..."

Are you doing the Whispersync so it's the same edition? I had two different editions and man did that mess me up because I wasn't thinking about the translation differences. Good luck!

I think our ShelfTator Angie is still working on it too if it makes you feel better.

I went all out and listened to it on audio while I did menial stuff that didn't take my attention. The good news, is Solaris is next month and that promises to be one of our Quick Reads if I'm not mistaken. :)

I've enjoyed this book so far, but it is a bit like plodding through very heavy mud. I find myself at some points wanting to yell at the characters "Get to the point already!"

I noticed things get pretty lengthy in this book. I still enjoyed it, but it will take some patience. I also took a break at a bout Part V and read a quick YA novel. I knew I would finish it within a day or two and that was enough to get me back in the mindset of AK.
Audio version may help? Sometimes listening to some of these longer books during a commute for a little while can make it go by quicker.

I noticed this for myself while reading...One, It was hard, in the beginning, for me to picture some of the characters in my head/form a relationship because I am not Russian. (Example: I do not know a Stiva/Stepan therefor a picture will not just pop in my head. I do know an Anna therefor I already form a picture in my head without realizing it. Does that make sense?) However, I moved past this by taking note the Tolstoy does an excellent job describing clothing, personalities, and facial hair (status symbol). I took the personality description and formed a person I "knew", dressed them in the clothes, and poof! I had an image to relate to. I am not sure if this is something anyone else had trouble with...but I thought it might help.

I hope you are able to push through it. The feeling of completion I had when I finished it was a good feeling. The ending is worth the build-up, as well. We are cheering you on!

I'm glad it wasn't just me. It took me 7 weeks to get through the book and I owe $2 in fines. I too found myself skipping dull parts so I could continue with the important part of the stories.

Amanda wrote: "I've enjoyed this book so far, but it is a bit like plodding through very heavy mud. I find myself at some points wanting to yell at the characters "Get to the point already!""

Agreed!

I've actually been reading this book for several months now. It's probably the longest I've taken to finish a book. Even though I've wanted to give up several times i keep going and I think that will make the end even more worth it when i get there.

Thanks for letting us know we don't have to finish this book by the end of May. I forsee reading it into the middle of June, but I will stick to it.

I definitely am not close to finished yet. I didn't get started early, like I originally planned, and it has been slow moving for me. There are moments when I enjoy the storyline, but then huge portions where I am incredibly bored. I likely will be reading this deep into June. You aren't alone! :)

Finally finished it Sunday! Better late than never, right? Felt kind of bad that Anna felt her only option was suicide, guess they didn't have much options for therapy back then.

I read it last summer-I found reading a companion guide really helped me when I started to get frustrated.
I just googled it and found a few guides that helped.

:) I'm still trudging through as well, so you're definitely not alone. I keep taking breaks to read other things, so I'll probably be going into july with this one. Oh well, I've already read Phantom, so I'll slip solaris in there somewhere and I should be caught up by august, lol.

I'm not done with Anna, but I'm really enjoying it. I decided to read it in Spanish (my first language), and I'm glad I did, because the longer, difficult parts are not as hard as if I were reading in English.
I also skipped Solaris, but I'm not sure if I'll read it later to catch up. It didn't capture me enough... Maybe during vacations

Maricarmen wrote: "I'm not done with Anna, but I'm really enjoying it. I decided to read it in Spanish (my first language), and I'm glad I did, because the longer, difficult parts are not as hard as if I were reading..."

I skipped Solaris too, didn't really grab me...I'm reading Tess of the d'Urbervilles instead.

I am finally done with Anna today!! It was a long ride but I'm glad that I stuck with it......in my opinion the later parts are better, deeper. Both Anna's and Levin's transformation through the book was beautiful and again I am glad that I read it :)

Yay! It feels like such an accomplishment after spending so much time reading it. Rashiqa wrote: "I am finally done with Anna today!! It was a long ride but I'm glad that I stuck with it......in my opinion the later parts are better, deeper. Both Anna's and Levin's transformation through the b..."

Great job Rashiq... I'm not done yet, but I'm enjoying my slow journey!! Thanks for posting

Well done Rashiq, I'm still on this very long journey. Really enjoying the book, but moving at a remarkably slow pace.

I'm not proud to say, I just finished! I put it down for months, read 2.5 other books in that time, and finally had to make it my New Year's resolution to finish it. Must find a quick and light book to read next to give my mind a little rest... :-)

Lisa wrote: "I'm not proud to say, I just finished! I put it down for months, read 2.5 other books in that time, and finally had to make it my New Year's resolution to finish it. Must find a quick and light boo..."

Congrats. I know what you mean, gotta get that fluff read in between your hard books or your mind turns to mush.