Anna Karenina is a classic by the Russian author Leo Tolstoy, first published in the year 1878. Many prominent authors namely William Faulkner and Vladimir Nabokov have considered it to be the greatest work of literature ever written. Even Tolstoy himself claimed it as his first true novel. What makes a book "classic"? "Classic" is the book which is indigenous, inventive, experimental yet very rich and sophisticated with its content. With its subtle firmness it can create an illusion of its story in the reader's head. A book with its own distinct aura fascinates people throughout the read. It is a reading that you celebrate. This is a story of numerous characters altogether. Anna's role came into existence by a mishap Tolstoy witnessed at a certain point in his life. It begins with the sentence, "All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way." Anna karenina is the wife of Count Alexei Alexandrovich Karenin (a senior government official) and mother of their son Seryozha. Anna is 20 years younger than his husband; a youthful, magnificent, intensely fascinating woman and a remarkably alluring dazzling face of Russian society. After a couple of rendezvous with a handsome cavalry officer Count Vronsky, Anna falls in love with him. Anna leaves her husband and son and elopes to Italy with Count Vronsky to justify their passionate affair. Further they lead life with emotes of love, faith, warmth, enviousness, insecurities, betrayal, loneliness and depression. Another protagonist of the book is Konstantine Levin. He marries Princess Ekaterina (Kitty) the love of his life. Their happy marriage life is portrayed as a contrast to the tragic affair between Anna Karenina and Count Vronsky. Levin is hardworking, caring, independent minded, not so social family man. He has his own notions and vision towards living. It is believed by many of the critics that Levin is a self portrayal of the author himself. Prince Stepan Arkadyich (Stiva-Anna's brother) is another prime character of the novel. His affair with family's governess was the reason of Anna's visit to Moscow from Petersburg. Anna Karenina is not just a book, it is a mystical, spiritual, exhilarating experience. Each event of this classic is evocatively brought out on paper. Each Russian character is addressed in a certain respectful manner. Each event's description creates a rhythmic site. Horse races, hunting, dine and dance, election, farming, child birth, country life, city life are being mentioned with wholesome authenticity of Russian culture and makes this book truly a must have treasure. Waltz, ballroom's melodious soulful narraration fills the air with euphoria. The story goes around many characters and it demands patience to fulfill this journey of reading a master piece. Read more