Books read in 2026: No. 3 -- Anna Karenina

by Leo Tolstoy

translation by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky

Started: Jan. 8

Finished: April 22

Notes: I've read quite a bit of Tolstoy's work, and a fair bit about the man, mainly because I've been intrigued by him as an individual and as a writer, but for years I've been putting off this, one of his most famous works, because of its length. Well, that ends today.

Mini review: It took me long enough to read this one, but not as long as it did War and Peace. What's to say? Most modern readers will find much of this dry, especially the somewhat lengthy sections on farming in Russia in the mid-1870s and the politics of the same era, but all of that slower material serves a purpose in pointing out what Tolstoy considers truly important or unimportant. This is really two lengthy stories that connect only through occasional characters, one tale that of a young nobleman and how he finds happiness in farming and eventually marriage and fatherhood and ultimately to a belief in God or at least a universal goodness, while the other tale is the exact opposite, the tragedy of a young woman who leaves her husband and son for another man. There is a death scene near the end of this book that is not gory, but it is disturbing emotionally after a lengthy buildup. Following that death scene, most of the rest of the novel, something like 30 to 50 pages, is mostly a philosophic debate a character has with himself about the meaning of life, religions, goodness, God, etc. My guess would be most readers will drawn more toward the tragic tale told here, but I believe Tolstoy's point was more focused toward the less melodramatic of these two stories, the philosophical one. But that's mere conjecture on my part. Not a difficult read as far as understanding goes, or at leas my translation proved helpful with all its notes, but this isn't a novel to be gulped down in a matter of days. No, this is a book that needs to be read slowly and steadily, and should be given some thinking. That type of thing isn't for everyone, but I'm glad I read this one.

Beer of the Week Blast from the Past: Pyramid Fling Pale Ale

Beer score: 7.0

Another brewery that went out of business, but that had some quality brews, and I have some of my notes from trying their beers in yesteryear.

This drink started as their Spring beer for 2010.

It poured a light golden color, and gave off light citrus and flowery smells while being poured.

This one was a tad strong and bitter for a pale ale, but it went down easy and wet. It also went down a little fruity. Was too heavy for casual drinking, in my opinion, but was just right for sipping.

Beer of the Week Blast from the Past: Sierra Nevada Glissade

Beer score: 8.2

This was quite possibly my favorite of all the brews from the Sierra Nevada folks, so I was quite disappointed when I went looking for it recently and discovered it's no longer in production. Damn!

Quite possibly the perfect beer for hot weather.

It poured a dark yellow, almost orange color and gave off smells of wheat and maybe a little citrus. Had a light bitterness on the tongue. There was a touch of sweetness right at the beginning, but that dies away after the first sip, though that sweet, almost honey-like quality was still present in the smell.

Had a smooth, fruity quality and a light texture that made this an awesome brew for summer. Basically, this was Sierra Nevada's season brew for Spring.

Must have been a fine trick with the malts to have made such a smooth beer that was known for a high bitterness units rank.

Beer of the Week: Ayinger Altbairisch Dunkel

Beer score: 7.0

Company: Ayinger
ABV: 5.0
IBU: 21

This German brew pours a dark brown color but it's not opaque like the thickest of stouts. It has a hint of a sour smell, but not enough to really ruin the experience, mainly because there are also some bready caramel and chocolate scents.

There's some carbonation on the tongue, but again, not enough to hurt.

It's not as heavy as it looks, and tastes nutty with caramel and coffee and a hint of that chocolate.

The perfect beer? No, but it's one of the best I've had in weeks, so I can't complain.

Beer of the Week Blast from the Past: Young's Old Nick Barley Wine Ale

Beer score: 3.3

I was too busy to try any new beers this week, but as is always the case, I had some notes about an older beer that's no longer being produced. I last tasted this one a little more than a decade and a half ago, and while I always hate to see beers disappear, I can't say I miss this one.

Some folks liked this brew from London, but I could barely tolerate it because it was extremely sweet. It poured a dark color with scents of fruit and nuts, possibly cherries. The flavor was similar to the smell with perhaps some coffee taste, and this drink was somewhat syrupy.

To me, the sweetness was reminiscent of some of the stronger Scottish ales.

I guess I just don't care for overly sweet beers, so this one was never one I liked.

Beer of the Week: Molson Golden

Beer score: 4.6

Company: Molson
ABV: 5.0
IBU: 12

I've had better. I've had worse.

Pours a pale golden color while providing a skunky smell with maybe hints of wheat grain.

This drink has a flat, fizzy texture to it. There's a little bitterness, but not much. There's some more of that wheat grain in the flavor along with some corn taste, but not much else.

Not awful when served cold.

This beer could use some work, but by the third or fourth one, you really don't care what you're drinking anyway.

Beer of the Week: Young's Double Chocolate Stout

Beer score: 5.7

Company: Damm
ABV: 5.2
IBU: 25

The Young's brews in the UK have gone through various corporate hands over the years, but they continue to still be some pretty pleasant drinks.

This one isn't the best, but it's not awful by any means.

As one might expect for a stout, this one pours a dark brown color not unlike the look of molasses, though perhaps not quite that dark. It gives off a sweet smell of coffee, dark chocolate, and maybe some hints of brown sugar.

It's a wet stout without the heavy syrupiness of some stouts. The flavor definitely is controlled by chocolate and some sweetness, but there are light bitter hints and nuttiness to be found.

I thought this stout started out okay, but about halfway through I tasted a flat, soapy flavor. I've heard of others who liked this beer about halfway through and then lost interest or turned away, so I'm not the only one.

Worth trying if you're a stout drinker.