Showing posts with label Reading Journeys. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Reading Journeys. Show all posts
Friday, October 18, 2013
Anna & Me: Part Four
As I mentioned here, I'll be reading Leo Tolstoy's novel, Anna Karenina, and blogging about my journey through one of the great classics. The novel is broken in to eight parts, so I'll post after finishing each one. To read parts one, two, and three of my journey with Anna, click here , here, and here.
"The inequality in marriage, in his opinion, lay in the fact that the infidelity of the wife and the infidelity of the husband are punished unequally, by the law and by public opinion." This line, though not spoken by a character, is really the crux of Anna Karenina. There is no other sentence (so far) that more apptly and concisely describes the novel.
Part four picks up following Anna's conversation with Alexey during which he proposes continuing their marriage as is, with the caveat in place that she stop seeing Vronsky in public. They live peacefully like this for some time, but when Alexey catches Vronsky entering his home (while Anna believed Alexey was out for the evening) he takes Anna's letters to Vronsky and begins seeking a divorce.
As the opening quote suggests, women and men were held to different expectations socially. While this double standard is certainly sexist and archaic to our modern minds, remember that Anna is ridiculous. Her selfish behavior appalls me. I just can't sympathize with her "plight." She seems (at first) unwilling to get a divorce but simultaneously unwilling to leave her affair alone and move forward with her husband. Though Anna is defiant and proud, when it comes to discussing her infidelity with Alexey and facing her actions she clams up and appears crazed and unbalanced (foreshadowing?). Now, there is certainly an argument to be made that if it were not for women like Anna women would not be where they are today, but for the re-cap purposes of this post that argument will remain unaddressed.
Anna's behavior is borderline ridiculous. Perhaps it's my idealism or my modern perception of divorce, but her inability to control herself and perpetual shirking of blame is irritating at best. When Alexey discovers Anna disregarded his request, he avows to seek a divorce. Seeking a divorce was quite the undertaking in 19th century Russia, making Alexey's wait rather long. So long that during the interim Anna delivers Vronsky's baby. This seems to smooth things over - Alexey rushes to her side when he hears of her illness and potential death (one she attempted to foresee).
Post-labor, Anna and Vronsky become rather unhinged. Alexey retracts his desire for a divorce and promises to stay be Anna's side. This throws Vronsky into an absolute tailspin.
(DISCLAIMER: I'm sure you're reading these Anna posts to understand the gist of this novel. I think the next statement requires a major spoiler alert because my mind was blown by what I am about to write) Vronsky returns to his own home and promptly loses his shit and shoots himself in the chest. That's right, he attempts suicide. It's insanely stupid, but also effective. By the end of part four Anna has returned to him and they have left the country, without divorcing Alexey.
The other important development in part four is that Levin and Kitty are reunited! Stepan hosts a dinner party ate which the two loves overcome their misunderstandings and become engaged. My little romantic heart did some dancing at this development. I would elaborate further on the details, but those don't matter to me. The real hero of this story has found his mate - and I can continue disliking Anna.
*All quotes are taken from the 2012 edition of Anna Karenina, written by Leo Tolstoy and edited by Constance Garnet
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Anna & Me: Part Three
As I mentioned here, I'll be reading Leo Tolstoy's novel, Anna Karenina, and blogging about my journey through one of the great classics. The novel is broken in to eight parts, so I'll post after finishing each one. To read part one and two of my journey with Anna, click here and here.
Surprise! I finally made it through part three of Anna Karenina. It wasn't necessarily slow, but I was simultaneously reading The Night Circus for book club and it was ridiculously good, so Tolstoy took the back seat.
Part three picks up with Levin holed up in his country estate, attempting to heal his broken heart through the physical labor of farming and agriculture. Through meetings with Sviazhsky, a local district marshal, Levin learns about more efficient farming techniques and attempts to put them in to practice on his land. Though Levin experiences some resistance from the peasants who work his land, he remains firm.
Levin becomes quite enamored with country life, must to his brothers' dismay. It seems evident that Levin's character and his increasingly simple life operate as a stark contrast to the city life in Moscow. Meanwhile, Dolly is also out in the country. Stiva asks that Levin to check in on Dolly, as he believes she is having a hard time. Dolly was initially overwhelmed, but comes to enjoy the simplicity of the country as well. I hate to laugh, but when Stiva's neglect is so laughable. Stiva sees absolutely nothing wrong with leaving his city wife alone in the country with few comforts and little help. Sure, the disregard Stiva shows for his wife and her needs rings true for such an era, but it's still rather pathetic. Thankfully, Levin gladly checks on Dolly - and finds out some interesting information about his one-time-love Kitty. I was hoping he would go see Kitty when Dolly mentioned she'd be visiting, but it seems I must wait a little longer for their inevitable (please, please, please!) reunion.
Unsurprisingly, Vronsky begins to show his true colors in part three - much to the dismay of romantic readers, I'm sure. I however, am not surprised in the least. When speaking to his friend Serpuhovskoy, Vronksy seems almost remiss that he has not achieve more in his career. I held on to hope that this exchange would change Vronsky's attitude towards Anna - Serpuhoskoy is married and believes "there's only one way of having love conveniently without its being a hindrance - that's marriage" because others have "ruined their careers for the sake of women." I thought this conversation would urge Vronsky to end his relationship with Anna and perhaps find a wife - or at least concentrate on his career. But alas, my previous suspicions that Vronsky was unworthy (you know, if being with him was even an option for Anna) are proven correct.
To be sure, Alexey is no knight-in-shining-armor - he's a little cold and stiff. But Anna's husband is not completely unfeeling. Again, as with Stiva, he is not abnormal for the time. While it's sexist for Anna's indiscretions to be so frowned upon with Stiva's own faithlessness goes unpunished, it seems unwise to engage in such an affair when, by all accounts thus far, Alexey is a far better husband and man than other Russian socialites. Alexey's reaction to Anna's infidelity could function as a defense mechanism. Now, to a modern mind his proposal that they go on living life as usual seems ridiculous - but in those times it was not abnormal. Alexey's concern is deeply rooted in his desire to maintain appearances, as it's not until Anna brings her affair to their doorstep that he grows truly angry with her.
So, as with the first two parts, I am left feeling indifferent towards Anna. She has an ideal situation - Alexey will allow her to continue on as usual and will act as though nothing has happened. Her refusal to follow such demands is shortsighted at best. Vronsky has done nothing to prove he will support her, and despite her worries that Alexey will take her son away if she does not comply, she continues her affair. I am far more interested in Levin's story line. The paper copy I have clearly indicates the two stories are of equal merit, which just furthers my belief that the title of this book is huge misnomer.
Surprise! I finally made it through part three of Anna Karenina. It wasn't necessarily slow, but I was simultaneously reading The Night Circus for book club and it was ridiculously good, so Tolstoy took the back seat.
Part three picks up with Levin holed up in his country estate, attempting to heal his broken heart through the physical labor of farming and agriculture. Through meetings with Sviazhsky, a local district marshal, Levin learns about more efficient farming techniques and attempts to put them in to practice on his land. Though Levin experiences some resistance from the peasants who work his land, he remains firm.
Levin becomes quite enamored with country life, must to his brothers' dismay. It seems evident that Levin's character and his increasingly simple life operate as a stark contrast to the city life in Moscow. Meanwhile, Dolly is also out in the country. Stiva asks that Levin to check in on Dolly, as he believes she is having a hard time. Dolly was initially overwhelmed, but comes to enjoy the simplicity of the country as well. I hate to laugh, but when Stiva's neglect is so laughable. Stiva sees absolutely nothing wrong with leaving his city wife alone in the country with few comforts and little help. Sure, the disregard Stiva shows for his wife and her needs rings true for such an era, but it's still rather pathetic. Thankfully, Levin gladly checks on Dolly - and finds out some interesting information about his one-time-love Kitty. I was hoping he would go see Kitty when Dolly mentioned she'd be visiting, but it seems I must wait a little longer for their inevitable (please, please, please!) reunion.
Unsurprisingly, Vronsky begins to show his true colors in part three - much to the dismay of romantic readers, I'm sure. I however, am not surprised in the least. When speaking to his friend Serpuhovskoy, Vronksy seems almost remiss that he has not achieve more in his career. I held on to hope that this exchange would change Vronsky's attitude towards Anna - Serpuhoskoy is married and believes "there's only one way of having love conveniently without its being a hindrance - that's marriage" because others have "ruined their careers for the sake of women." I thought this conversation would urge Vronsky to end his relationship with Anna and perhaps find a wife - or at least concentrate on his career. But alas, my previous suspicions that Vronsky was unworthy (you know, if being with him was even an option for Anna) are proven correct.
To be sure, Alexey is no knight-in-shining-armor - he's a little cold and stiff. But Anna's husband is not completely unfeeling. Again, as with Stiva, he is not abnormal for the time. While it's sexist for Anna's indiscretions to be so frowned upon with Stiva's own faithlessness goes unpunished, it seems unwise to engage in such an affair when, by all accounts thus far, Alexey is a far better husband and man than other Russian socialites. Alexey's reaction to Anna's infidelity could function as a defense mechanism. Now, to a modern mind his proposal that they go on living life as usual seems ridiculous - but in those times it was not abnormal. Alexey's concern is deeply rooted in his desire to maintain appearances, as it's not until Anna brings her affair to their doorstep that he grows truly angry with her.
So, as with the first two parts, I am left feeling indifferent towards Anna. She has an ideal situation - Alexey will allow her to continue on as usual and will act as though nothing has happened. Her refusal to follow such demands is shortsighted at best. Vronsky has done nothing to prove he will support her, and despite her worries that Alexey will take her son away if she does not comply, she continues her affair. I am far more interested in Levin's story line. The paper copy I have clearly indicates the two stories are of equal merit, which just furthers my belief that the title of this book is huge misnomer.
Friday, September 13, 2013
Anna & Me: Part Two
As I mentioned here, I'll be reading Leo Tolstoy's novel, Anna Karenina, and blogging about my journey through one of the great classics. The novel is broken in to eight parts, so I'll post after finishing each one. To read part one of my journey with Anna, click here.
Perhaps I should have named this series "Russian Aristocrats and Me." While Anna is certainly a key player, at the end of part two I still don't find her story all that compelling. I imagine that her affair (which at this point is full blown) will become more torrid as time moves on, but I am still waiting for it to ensnare the other "subplots," not to mention my attention.
Part two begins with Kitty, very ill, and a Shtcherbatsky family discussion regarding her state. Eventually it's decided they will go abroad (elsewhere in Europe) to see if a change of environment perks her up. Kitty's story throughout part two was my favorite - it's clear from the get-go that she is ill from embarrassment and heartbreak. Sure, perhaps her reaction is misguided, but at age eighteen I was certainly no level-headed beauty.
While abroad in Germany Kitty meets Madame Stahl, a bed-ridden woman and her adopted daughter Vrenka. Kitty grows as a character immensely. Where in the first part she is vapid and rather self-centered, when she experiences Vrenka's calming personality and general happiness of self, Kitty transforms - despite what her father says. Tolstoy writes that "it was characteristic of Kitty that she always imagined everything in people in the most favorable light possible." This realization makes me hopeful Kitty will return to Russia and reconcile with Levin. When Kitty leaves Germany at the end of part two, Vrenka jokes that she'll never come to Russia until Kitty gets married - her reply "I shall be married simply for that." And with that, I am a Kitty-Levin shipper. When Kitty refused Levin earlier in the novel I was not terribly upset because of her vanity and materialistic personality. However, now that she has been reborn, as it were, I have to root for the two of them. Levin, with all his family troubles deserves some happiness and lightness.
When Levin discovers Kitty's has taken ill, because Stepan dropped by for a visit, he kind of well, loses his shit. Levin's reactions were just so honest - his internal struggle between wanting to ask after Kitty and trying to avoid the subject in order to stay on the path of healing was the most emotional part of this story so far. I've never read Tolstoy before, so hopefully he is nothing like Shakespeare - because everyone knows those dramas never end well.
The affair between Anna and Vronsky comes to fruition in part two - and while I am curious about how Anna will navigate her marriage now, due to some major plot points I can't divulge without spoiling the story, I am not invested in their "romance." It seems so unintelligent on her part. Karenin seems only concerned when he realizes society is gossiping about Anna. In part one there was some glimmer of emotion and feeling from him, but Karenin quickly dismissed it because "jealousy was an insult to one's wife." Seems an odd approach to take in such a situation, but society was quite different back then. Karenin himself also comes to know of the affair during part two - and there is little discussion between man and wife regarding it. Tolstoy has caught my attention in that regard - HOW can this possibly end well for Anna? - but I don't necessarily want to root for her.
I've been trying to take some notes while reading, so when I finish I can make a proper assessment of the novel, but I've discovered it's a little difficult with a Kindle - so, I did what any smart girl would do and grabbed a hard copy at the library today :-)
*All quotes are taken from the 2012 edition of Anna Karenina, written by Leo Tolstoy and edited by Constance Garnett
Look how many copies the library had! Come on people, read a classic.
Perhaps I should have named this series "Russian Aristocrats and Me." While Anna is certainly a key player, at the end of part two I still don't find her story all that compelling. I imagine that her affair (which at this point is full blown) will become more torrid as time moves on, but I am still waiting for it to ensnare the other "subplots," not to mention my attention.
Part two begins with Kitty, very ill, and a Shtcherbatsky family discussion regarding her state. Eventually it's decided they will go abroad (elsewhere in Europe) to see if a change of environment perks her up. Kitty's story throughout part two was my favorite - it's clear from the get-go that she is ill from embarrassment and heartbreak. Sure, perhaps her reaction is misguided, but at age eighteen I was certainly no level-headed beauty.
While abroad in Germany Kitty meets Madame Stahl, a bed-ridden woman and her adopted daughter Vrenka. Kitty grows as a character immensely. Where in the first part she is vapid and rather self-centered, when she experiences Vrenka's calming personality and general happiness of self, Kitty transforms - despite what her father says. Tolstoy writes that "it was characteristic of Kitty that she always imagined everything in people in the most favorable light possible." This realization makes me hopeful Kitty will return to Russia and reconcile with Levin. When Kitty leaves Germany at the end of part two, Vrenka jokes that she'll never come to Russia until Kitty gets married - her reply "I shall be married simply for that." And with that, I am a Kitty-Levin shipper. When Kitty refused Levin earlier in the novel I was not terribly upset because of her vanity and materialistic personality. However, now that she has been reborn, as it were, I have to root for the two of them. Levin, with all his family troubles deserves some happiness and lightness.
When Levin discovers Kitty's has taken ill, because Stepan dropped by for a visit, he kind of well, loses his shit. Levin's reactions were just so honest - his internal struggle between wanting to ask after Kitty and trying to avoid the subject in order to stay on the path of healing was the most emotional part of this story so far. I've never read Tolstoy before, so hopefully he is nothing like Shakespeare - because everyone knows those dramas never end well.
The affair between Anna and Vronsky comes to fruition in part two - and while I am curious about how Anna will navigate her marriage now, due to some major plot points I can't divulge without spoiling the story, I am not invested in their "romance." It seems so unintelligent on her part. Karenin seems only concerned when he realizes society is gossiping about Anna. In part one there was some glimmer of emotion and feeling from him, but Karenin quickly dismissed it because "jealousy was an insult to one's wife." Seems an odd approach to take in such a situation, but society was quite different back then. Karenin himself also comes to know of the affair during part two - and there is little discussion between man and wife regarding it. Tolstoy has caught my attention in that regard - HOW can this possibly end well for Anna? - but I don't necessarily want to root for her.
I've been trying to take some notes while reading, so when I finish I can make a proper assessment of the novel, but I've discovered it's a little difficult with a Kindle - so, I did what any smart girl would do and grabbed a hard copy at the library today :-)
*All quotes are taken from the 2012 edition of Anna Karenina, written by Leo Tolstoy and edited by Constance Garnett
Monday, September 2, 2013
Anna & Me: Part One
As I mentioned here, I'll be reading Leo Tolstoy's novel, Anna Karenina, and blogging about my journey through one of the great classics. The novel is broken in to eight parts, so I'll post after finishing each one.
After finishing part one, I must admit I find the title of Tolstoy's novel to be a bit of a misnomer. The first few chapters are narrated by Stepan Arkadyevitch, a member of the Oblonsky family and devoted brother to Anna. Though Stepan mentions Anna, her character is not properly introduced until 6% in to the novel (I am reading AK on a Kindle so I am not sure how many traditional "pages" in to the novel I am, but every hard copy I've ever seen is pretty hefty). While I can appreciate a slower introduction to Russian society before meeting such a momentous figure, I assumed Anna would take over the novel once she entered the plot. But no - thus far the story has been narrated from various perspectives. There are several plot lines, none of which seem to be the primary.
Stiva (Stepan) begins the novel by whining about his self-made predicament - he has been caught cheating on his wife, Dolly, and she will not speak to him. I am not yet sure for whom I am to feel sympathy. While my initial reaction was to feel sorry for Dolly, her timid nature and malleability is rather pathetic and off-putting.
We also meet Dolly's young sister Kitty, a young, romantically idealistic girl who probably reminds Dolly of herself before she was wed. Levin, and old family friend, comes in from the country to propose to Kitty, having left town several years ago thinking he had no chance. Levin, while on the surface appears to be a sympathetic character - his proposal is rejected after all - becomes whiny, a little misogynistic, and irritatingly idealistic once he begins narrating. Though he initially expressed ardor for Kitty, after much thought it seems he just wants a wife, any wife. Now, this is certainly not abnormal in 19th century Russia, but I hoped Levin would fill the role of romantic hero.
Kitty rejects Levin under the assumption and hope that another more "acceptable" suitor, Vronsky, will make her an offer. Kitty's parent are split on the issue - interestingly so. Kitty's father believes Levin to be the better man while her mother much prefers the pretty refinement of Vronsky. I think it's a compelling role reversal - the father desires a strong, protective family man for his daughter while the mother wants someone shiny and new.
Once Anna is introduced it becomes evident that she has a great affect on the people around her. Stiva called upon Anna to help mend his relationship with Dolly, which she does with little to no effort. Kitty immediately takes a liking to Anna - as does Vronsky. The interchange between the two of them will be the driving force of the novel, and though I am intrigued by their potential affair, I find the other characters more engaging. If Tolstoy doesn't set up Karenin (Anna's husband) as a right prick, I might find myself disliking Anna for her impending infidelity.
Though Anna attempts to remove herself from temptation by fleeing Moscow and returning home to Petersburg, I cannot yet connect with her "plight." Obviously I don't know what 19th century Russian society was like for women, as I sit here in 21st century America next to a husband of my own choosing. Vronsky doesn't seem very honorable - when he narrates he fully recognizes Kitty's feelings for him (prior to meeting Anna) and yet still engages in behavior which would make her believe he loves her. He openly admits to loving his bachelor life with no plans to change it.
Part One ends with Anna back home in Saint Petersburg and Vronsky in a nearby hotel, having followed her to confess his feelings. Levin returned home to his own estate in the country to nurse his wounds. Though I know, based on general knowledge of the story line that Anna will eventually engage in an extra-marital affair, I cannot help wondering how this story will transgress among the other characters.
I don't want to ask "does it get better," because like any classic book I'm sure it does, but I can't help wondering if Anna will ever become the character I long for her to be? Is Karenin truly that awful? Does Kitty snap out of her stupor and regret refusing Levin? Does Dolly and Stiva's reconciliation last? (I think no on this one).
p.s. Happy Labor Day!
After finishing part one, I must admit I find the title of Tolstoy's novel to be a bit of a misnomer. The first few chapters are narrated by Stepan Arkadyevitch, a member of the Oblonsky family and devoted brother to Anna. Though Stepan mentions Anna, her character is not properly introduced until 6% in to the novel (I am reading AK on a Kindle so I am not sure how many traditional "pages" in to the novel I am, but every hard copy I've ever seen is pretty hefty). While I can appreciate a slower introduction to Russian society before meeting such a momentous figure, I assumed Anna would take over the novel once she entered the plot. But no - thus far the story has been narrated from various perspectives. There are several plot lines, none of which seem to be the primary.
Stiva (Stepan) begins the novel by whining about his self-made predicament - he has been caught cheating on his wife, Dolly, and she will not speak to him. I am not yet sure for whom I am to feel sympathy. While my initial reaction was to feel sorry for Dolly, her timid nature and malleability is rather pathetic and off-putting.
We also meet Dolly's young sister Kitty, a young, romantically idealistic girl who probably reminds Dolly of herself before she was wed. Levin, and old family friend, comes in from the country to propose to Kitty, having left town several years ago thinking he had no chance. Levin, while on the surface appears to be a sympathetic character - his proposal is rejected after all - becomes whiny, a little misogynistic, and irritatingly idealistic once he begins narrating. Though he initially expressed ardor for Kitty, after much thought it seems he just wants a wife, any wife. Now, this is certainly not abnormal in 19th century Russia, but I hoped Levin would fill the role of romantic hero.
Kitty rejects Levin under the assumption and hope that another more "acceptable" suitor, Vronsky, will make her an offer. Kitty's parent are split on the issue - interestingly so. Kitty's father believes Levin to be the better man while her mother much prefers the pretty refinement of Vronsky. I think it's a compelling role reversal - the father desires a strong, protective family man for his daughter while the mother wants someone shiny and new.
Once Anna is introduced it becomes evident that she has a great affect on the people around her. Stiva called upon Anna to help mend his relationship with Dolly, which she does with little to no effort. Kitty immediately takes a liking to Anna - as does Vronsky. The interchange between the two of them will be the driving force of the novel, and though I am intrigued by their potential affair, I find the other characters more engaging. If Tolstoy doesn't set up Karenin (Anna's husband) as a right prick, I might find myself disliking Anna for her impending infidelity.
Though Anna attempts to remove herself from temptation by fleeing Moscow and returning home to Petersburg, I cannot yet connect with her "plight." Obviously I don't know what 19th century Russian society was like for women, as I sit here in 21st century America next to a husband of my own choosing. Vronsky doesn't seem very honorable - when he narrates he fully recognizes Kitty's feelings for him (prior to meeting Anna) and yet still engages in behavior which would make her believe he loves her. He openly admits to loving his bachelor life with no plans to change it.
Part One ends with Anna back home in Saint Petersburg and Vronsky in a nearby hotel, having followed her to confess his feelings. Levin returned home to his own estate in the country to nurse his wounds. Though I know, based on general knowledge of the story line that Anna will eventually engage in an extra-marital affair, I cannot help wondering how this story will transgress among the other characters.
I don't want to ask "does it get better," because like any classic book I'm sure it does, but I can't help wondering if Anna will ever become the character I long for her to be? Is Karenin truly that awful? Does Kitty snap out of her stupor and regret refusing Levin? Does Dolly and Stiva's reconciliation last? (I think no on this one).
p.s. Happy Labor Day!
Monday, August 26, 2013
Anna & Me: A Beginning
I recently found a list on Entertainment Weekly with the 10 All-Time Greatest Books. Surprisingly to me, Anna Karenina was listed in the top slot. I love classics - a love which, to be honest, started because old books are cheap!
In high school I found myself buying new books at Borders every week. Well, that habit ended very quickly when I realized classic books cost next to nothing. I bought my copy of Pride and Prejudice for only $4! These days many classic books are available for free on the Kindle (just another benefit to owning one, a post about traditional paperback versus e-books is upcoming!).
Some classic novels are pretty heavy, and I anticipate some stops and starts along the way. The novel follows the marriage of a Russian socialite, Anna, and her extra-marital affairs. I don't know much about the story beyond that, but that's okay! Sometimes when I go in to a book with preconceived ideas it fails to impress me (see my recent post about this problem here).
There have been several film versions over the years, and while I appreciate a good adaptation as much as the next person (I mean come on, I love movies), I can't help but wonder if a novel of such length could be properly translated to the screen. Once I finish the novel I plan to get my hands on some of the movies.
So here goes nothing. I'm going to start reading Tolstoy's masterpiece. There are eight parts to the novel, so I'll be checking in about my journey with Anna every time I finish a section.
In high school I found myself buying new books at Borders every week. Well, that habit ended very quickly when I realized classic books cost next to nothing. I bought my copy of Pride and Prejudice for only $4! These days many classic books are available for free on the Kindle (just another benefit to owning one, a post about traditional paperback versus e-books is upcoming!).
Some classic novels are pretty heavy, and I anticipate some stops and starts along the way. The novel follows the marriage of a Russian socialite, Anna, and her extra-marital affairs. I don't know much about the story beyond that, but that's okay! Sometimes when I go in to a book with preconceived ideas it fails to impress me (see my recent post about this problem here).
There have been several film versions over the years, and while I appreciate a good adaptation as much as the next person (I mean come on, I love movies), I can't help but wonder if a novel of such length could be properly translated to the screen. Once I finish the novel I plan to get my hands on some of the movies.
So here goes nothing. I'm going to start reading Tolstoy's masterpiece. There are eight parts to the novel, so I'll be checking in about my journey with Anna every time I finish a section.
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