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BasedArzy t1_ixwimct wrote

The Death of Ivan Ilyich first.

Then if you have a background in 19th century history, War and Peace. The problem with W&P vs Anna Karenina is that W&P is not really a conventional story. It’s as much, or more, a polemic aimed at the duality of Russian society embodied in the twin battles of Austerlitz and Borodino. Austerlitz is a battle fought for vain glory and frivolities and Borodino is fought for a higher and more noble goal, to save Russia. Without that background knowledge it gets very confusing very quickly and the last 1/8 or so lacks impact.

AK is a much more conventional novel and probably an easier read.

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bronte26 t1_ixwhu7q wrote

Definitely anna karenina

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Ganajin t1_ixwhqtb wrote

War and Peace can be hard to follow, so you need to keep a chart of all the names. But once you get them down, it's a great read.

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primekino t1_ixwjhf0 wrote

Hmm I liked War and Peace much better and AK will feel like a breeze after it anyway.

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Sufficient_Pizza7186 t1_ixwm12k wrote

War and Peace is more grand in the sense that the background is the Napoleonic Wars. Everything feels very high stakes. There is a lot to keep track of, but it's extremely fulfilling in the end. A more challenging, addictive page turner (imo) with unforgettable characters and moments.

With Anna Karenina, there is more of a detailed emphasis on farming routines and peasant agricultural society to contrast to the glitzy urban setting of Anna's high society. It also feels more intimate, more modern / psychological, and easier to pick up and put down in a leisurely way (if you do this with War and Peace, you'll get lost). I'd call it the more 'beautiful' book.

In summary: W&P is the book that basically locked me in a room - I didn't put it down for weeks. Anna is the one that washed over me during a longer period of time. Since 'right book right time' really affects how much we enjoy something, I'd choose whatever sounds best and just skip to the other if you're finding either one a slog.

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Tiligul t1_ixwi3py wrote

Anna Karenina.

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TDSBritishGirl t1_ixwin93 wrote

DEFINITELY Anna Karenina. War and Peace is way more "difficult" to get into if you're popping your Tolstoy cherry. Also, Anna Karenina is magnificent. I read it once or twice a year and each time I get something new from it.

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No_Poet_7244 t1_ixwizh8 wrote

Anna Karenina is like the Hobbit and W&P is the Silmarillion. Start with the Hobbit and if you like it take the deep dive.

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CrazyCatLady108 t1_ixwjxt7 wrote

Please post 'Should I read X book''What do I need to know before I read X' questions, in our Weekly Recommendation Thread.

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NXburner t1_ixx0iot wrote

What's option C?

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