Cover Image, from QuirkClassics.com

As a die-hard Pride & Prejudice fan, I was pleasantly surprised with the 2009 Quirk Classic smash hit, Pride & Prejudice & Zombies (Quirk Books, 2009)  And the fourth installment of the series, Android Karenina (Quirk Books, 2010), is in keeping with the qualities that have made the Quirk Classic series so damn popular and a good read.

Comparisons to the wondrous P&P&Z aside, Android Karenina by Leo Tolstoy and Ben H.Winters has all the charms of the former author’s masterpiece, published in 1877.  But the added elements of steampunk, robotic companions, and aliens prove to be the spoonful of sugar that help the Russian masterpeice go down.

“Functioning Robots are all alike; every malfunctioning robot malfunctions in its own way.”

From the all-important opening line, Winters pays homage to Tolstoy (as he should) but makes clear this story is for the 21^st century reader.  Anyone familiar with the basic plot of Anna Karenina will recognize Tolstoy in every line.  Those who have read the original work will appreciate the parallels which Winters employs throughout the novel. One example: Tolstoy critiques the 19^th century obsessions with occultism which Winters transforms into a ferverent belief in the impending arrival of “honored guests.”

But  enough spoilers.

It’s a superb blend of sub-culture fantasy and classic literature, creating a delightfully readable literary cocktail.  Whether you choose to call it a collaboration or a mash-up, Android Karenina should be on your summer reads list.

Happy Reading!

-B.C.Bodnar