Anna K (Anna K, #1)

by Jenny Lee

[Sam@WLABB]

Anna K. was the it girl, the one to emulate in her social circles. From the outside, she seemed like the girl, who had it all - the perfect boyfriend, drama-free relationship, and status. She thought she had it all too, until she met Vronsky, who ignited a fire within her, the likes of which she had never before experienced. But, because the universe is all about balance, Anna K. wasn't allowed to have it all, but maybe, she didn't really want it all.

I may have mentioned this before, but when I read a retelling of a book I have not previously read, I tend to consult the Cliff's Notes, just to get a feel for the source material. It was easy to find the three couples chronicled in Tolstoy's original, as well as the themes of family, but Lee modernized many of the other themes. Anna K. took on racism, classism, privilege, sexism, mental health, and even opioid addiction, and I thought the inclusion of these issues was incorporated well into the story, and kept it from being just a basic rich kid romp.

Now that I said it, this book was replete with all the rich kid shenanigans we have grown to expect a la Gossip Girl, The OC, and The Hills. Lots of sex, drugs, and jet setting, but for me, that was part of the fun. I loved the over the top lifestyles and all the soapy drama.

However, what I really loved was the romance and the relationships within the story. Anna and Vronsky's romance was the central focus of the story, and it was also my central focus. I found myself swept up in their passion and desire. Even though it seemed like Anna was throwing it all away for him, I didn't care, because I wanted her to follow her heart, and experience her epic love story.

I also loved the relationship between Anna and her brother, Steven. When I first met Steven, he was in a heap of hot water. Caught cheating on his girlfriend, Lolly, he called Anna in to save the day. I cannot say I loved Steven then, but Lee gave him a story arc, which allowed him to grow. He began to see things in a different light, and grew to value certain things a lot more. I was truly pleased with his evolution, and with the affection he had for his sister. The two may not have seen eye to eye on things, but they were always looking out for one another, and let's face it, I am a sucker for those sibling bonds.

Though Lee softened the blow of the ending for us, this was still a tragic love story. I will admit, there were tears, but I thought the feelings of love and loss were captured quite well.

P.S. If you read this book, be sure to read the author's note, because it was really wonderful.

*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS