War & Peace / Anna Karenina

I won War & Peace in an essay-writing competition over 50 years ago and have read it through twice and dipped in a few more times. If you haven't read it yet, rent the Hollywood version first for a taster. The Russian film was also excellent. Then, to get into the Tolstoy mood, read 'Anna Karenina' which to my mind is one of the most complete and satisying novels ever written. Then, try to decide who you'd rather be - Pierre or Levin - both of whom are Tolstoy's alter egos.