Anna Karenina is a novel by Leo Tolstoy that was first published in 1877. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest works of literature ever written. The novel tells the story of Anna Karenina, a beautiful and intelligent woman who is trapped in an unhappy marriage. She falls in love with a young officer, Count Vronsky, and the two of them begin an affair. Anna's affair with Vronsky scandalizes society and she is eventually forced to leave her husband and son. She and Vronsky flee to Italy, but their relationship is ultimately doomed. Anna becomes increasingly isolated and depressed, and she eventually commits suicide by throwing herself in front of a train.