Reading this novel seemed to be a daunting enterprise in the beginning. The truth of the matter is, despite all 800+ pages to read, I have not thought for a second, of putting the book down, and have managed to get to page 300. Only 400 left to go! Honestly, I am thoroughly enjoying this tale, and the edition I am reading, is first class. It is published by Penguin Books, translated by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky; and to think I bought it for 50 cents at a garage sale.
Trotsky has a keen way of telling a story, developing characters, and interweaving them into the plot.
The following quote is quite illustrative of his ability to delve into the psychology of a character, and thus allow the reader to either grow to despise, or love him, or her. I believe the quote stands on its own.
“Every man, knowing to the smallest detail all the complexity of the conditions surrounding him, involuntarily assumes that the complexity of these conditions and the difficulty of comprehending them, are only his personal, accidental peculiarity, and never thinks that others are surrounded by the same complexity as he is. So it seemed to Vronsky.”
I believe Tolstoy is saying that we all sail the same boat, and the same problems arise at sea, for everyone. Some, nonetheless, pity themselves into thinking that they are the only one’s entitled to such woes, and have no sympathy for others who may experience the same. Vronsky, is of course, the man with whom Anna falls in love.
On Tiffany Creek 