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Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.

So opens, Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy. It’s an interesting thought.  I’ve only just begun the book, so I’m not sure how this opening sentence might play out in the rest of the story, but I have thought about that idea quite a bit. Happy families are all alike. Do I know of any families I can say are truly, “happy.”  Maybe, but I think in modern times we have this idea of functional vs. Dysfunctional. I’m not sure that’s the best classification since there are now talk show hosts making their livings by saving “dysfunctional” families in neat 60 minute segments. This is probably why I don’t like talk shows.

I wonder what even makes a happy family?

At any rate, I lucked into finding a copy of Anna Karenina and Great Expectations at our local thrift store and paid only $1.41 minus 25% for each one. Both are in excellent condition. I finished War and Peace in December, loved it, and figured I ought to give Anna a try. Leo Tolstoy is an amazing writer who somehow has the ability to make his writing feel like you have a window seat into each character’s mind.

I also like the Orthodox-ness inherent in the story telling. Characters say, “Lord have mercy,” cross themselves and each other. I can relate to these characters in a way that I can’t relate to some others (like those in my beloved Jane Austen books) because we share this religion, this way of life. The Orthodox-ness in the books is not preachy. Tolstoy isn’t trying to convert anyone. It’s just there, in the story. I love it.

I wonder why such stories aren’t written by modern novelists. Are there any modern Orthodox novelists who allow this way of life to be part of their characters? And I think maybe I ought to write one (I started a while back) but I was afraid my writing might read like one of those, Left Behind, novels and that’s what I don’t want. I think I need to be Orthodox for a few more years before I might be able to write such a story.

And then there is always, time. Do I have time to write a book when I mostly feel as though I kiss my husband and children good bye in the morning only to turn around and kiss them good night in the evening without much interaction in between. I try to be a good wife and a mother, but I often can’t help feeling a bit of a failure.  Trying to write a much of anything beyond these occasional blog posts in that space feels selfish. I’d love for my life to be different. I’m sure most of us on earth feel that way at some point or another. But I also think most of us are doing the best we can.

Speaking of happy families…

Blessings…

Comments

[Emily]

I am soooo excited for you! I love that book. I hope you got the Pevear translation; if not, you must borrow mine. It's much more lyrical and easy to read.

Although I love that opening line, I totally disagree with it. One of the great things about families is that they're unique and flexible. What works for one would never work for another. So it's possible (even probable) yours will be happy in a completely different way from others.

Oh, Kitty! Oh, Vronsky! Oh, Anna! Enjoy. :)

[Laura]

Hi, Emily,

I'm actually reading the Garnett version, and it seems pretty good so far. I read the Pevear translation of War and Peace...it was wonderful!

I agree with you about families, and I'm not sure "happy" is what we should be striving for anyway. How about a, "we're all in this struggle for salvation together" kind of vision. Happiness comes and goes, I think...

God bless you!