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52 pages 1 hour read

The Kreutzer Sonata

Fiction | Novella | Adult | Published in 1889

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Book Brief

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Leo Tolstoy

The Kreutzer Sonata

Fiction | Novella | Adult | Published in 1889
Book Details
Pages

128

Format

Novella • Fiction

Setting

Russia • 1880s

Publication Year

1889

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Kreutzer Sonata follows Pozdnychev, a Russian nobleman, who recounts the disintegration of his marriage and his obsessive jealousy, which leads him to murder his wife. The story addresses themes of jealousy, morality, and the conflict between social expectations and personal ethics. Sensitive topics include violence, domestic abuse, and infidelity.

Mysterious

Dark

Challenging

Contemplative

Unnerving

Reviews & Readership

4.0

31,485 ratings

68%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Leo Tolstoy's The Kreutzer Sonata elicits strong reactions due to its intense exploration of jealousy, marital strife, and moral dilemmas. Some readers commend its psychological depth and raw emotional insights, while others find its themes dated and Tolstoy's approach heavy-handed. Nevertheless, it remains a provocative and compelling read that challenges societal norms.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Kreutzer Sonata?

The ideal reader for Leo Tolstoy's The Kreutzer Sonata is someone who appreciates moral and philosophical debates, enjoys exploring the intricacies of human relationships, and has an interest in 19th-century Russian literature. If you like Anna Karenina by Tolstoy or Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert, you might enjoy this novella.

4.0

31,485 ratings

68%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

128

Format

Novella • Fiction

Setting

Russia • 1880s

Publication Year

1889

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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