In their world frivolous liaisons are commonplace, but Anna and Vronsky’s consuming passion makes them a target for scorn and leads to Anna’s increasing isolation. The heartbreaking trajectory of their relationship contrasts sharply with the colorful swirl of friends and family members who surround them, especially the newlyweds Kitty and Levin, who forge a touching bond as they struggle to make a life together.

Quotes from the book:

“All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.”

“Love. The reason I dislike that word is that it means too much for me, far more than you can understand.”

“Respect was invented to cover the empty place where love should be.”

Readers' reviews:

“This is world-class literature and a story, albeit an older one, which teaches us much about life. I would highly recommend this book as a gift to any young adult. Yes, it is lengthy but here Tolstoy has yielded us one of the finest tales ever written.” (Patrick W. Crabtree)

“This is a surprisingly fast-moving, interesting and easy to read novel. The last of which I'd of never believed could be true before reading it, but you find yourself instantly engrossed in this kind of Russian soap opera, filled with weird and intriguing characters. The most notable theme is the way society overlooked mens' affairs but frowned on womens', this immediately created a bond between myself and Anna, who is an extremely likeable character.” (Emily May - goodreads.com)

“Earle, who was from Massachusetts, wrote with fascinating details and anecdotes about old gardens and newer gardens of her era that took inspiration from the past. The many photos are a trove for readers interested in restoring an old garden.” (Boston Globe)