Where to start withAnna Karenina
2 versions · originally a book, 1877
Themes: Adultery, Social Isolation, Marriage, Faith and Doubt, Russian Aristocracy.
Start with Anna Karenina (Leo Tolstoy, 2012) — the book. Anna Karenina exists in 2 versions across media, beginning as a book in 1877; each is ranked below by what it does best.
Anna Karenina explores the tragic collision between stifling social conventions and the raw, destructive power of illicit romantic passion.
✦ Most fans start here
Anna Karenina (2012)
The original novel
✦ Start hereAnna Karenina
Leo Tolstoy · Book · 2012
Anna Karenina (2012) offers the definitive literary experience, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in Tolstoy’s complex prose and the profound psychological depth of his iconic, doomed protagonist.

2012 film
Anna Karenina
Film · 2012
Anna Karenina (2012) provides a visually sweeping adaptation that captures the vibrant tension of Imperial Russia and the immediate, destabilizing spark between Anna and the cavalry officer Vronsky.
Common questions
Is Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy a long read?
The original book Anna Karenina, published in 1877, is a substantial novel. Readers should prepare for a lengthy narrative as it is one of the most famous works of Russian literature, spanning hundreds of pages detailing the complex lives of its characters.
Should I watch the 2012 movie adaptation of Anna Karenina if I enjoyed the book?
If you enjoyed the original 1877 book, the 2012 movie adaptation of Anna Karenina is a valid way to experience the story again. This film offers a stylized visual interpretation of the classic narrative, allowing you to see the events of the novel portrayed on screen.
What is the difference between the 2012 book and the 2012 movie of Anna Karenina?
The 2012 book Anna Karenina refers to a published edition of the original 1877 text, while the 2012 movie Anna Karenina is a cinematic adaptation of that same story. They share the same source material but utilize different mediums to present the plot and characters.
How long is the 2012 movie version of Anna Karenina?
The 2012 movie adaptation of Anna Karenina is a feature-length film. It condenses the extensive plot of the 1877 novel into a standard cinematic runtime, providing a visual summary of the key conflicts and themes found within the original text.