Utterly absorbing existential masterpiece

If you could sum up The Brothers Karamazov [Naxos AudioBooks Edition] in three words, what would they be?

Sum up in three words? I'm not sure that is it possible. This is such a wide ranging, thought provoking work that it is beyond my descriptive abilities to sum up in three words.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Dmitri is my favourite of the brothers although Alyosha is the most likeable.

What about Constantine Gregory’s performance did you like?

I have previously listened to Constantine Gregory's narration of Dostoyevsky's Crime and Punishment and thoroughly enjoyed the way he brought the characters to live and paced his narration so expertly. If anything, he is even better in the Brothers Karamazov which is no mean feat as there is a wider and broader range of plotlines, interactions and personalities. A lesser narrator could have fallen into the trap of merely reading the text which, at times meanders and weaves between the different themes potentially making it hard for the listener to keep track of the book, but Constantine Gregory was able to bring life into the whole of this long text.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes, some of the philosophical themes of the book were deeply touching and thought provoking. This is more that just a novel and there are some very profound scenes regarding religion and belief that will stay with me.

Any additional comments?

Although this is an epic work, I was genuinely sad when it ended as I felt a real connection with the book. I will certainly listen again.

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2 people found this helpful

Worth reading it just for the grand inquisitor

Really enjoyed this book, sparked some interesting discussions. Narration was superb through the book, and the voice that he puts on for each character helps you keep track of the ridiculous number of nick names for each character.

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A book to go back to again and again.

A long book, but one that will reward your stamina. I felt on the one hand, glad that I could enjoy this book's narration without putting in the effort to read the words (I mean it's long long) but on the other hand, the many moments that I found myself in deep thought about moral and spiritual issues left me regretful that I didn't have a pencil to capture my thoughts in the margins. For such an old book to debate such moral, spiritual and existential issues so truthfully is really amazing. We've been struggling with these issues for a long time - this book lays them out with grace.
It's the longest book I've ever read but I will read it again; I would say enjoy the narration as an initiation and if you get to the end, you'll want to enjoy it via a physical copy the next time.

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Russian materpiece read with aplomb

What made the experience of listening to The Brothers Karamazov [Naxos AudioBooks Edition] the most enjoyable?

Characterisation without resorting to cod accents

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Brothers Karamazov [Naxos AudioBooks Edition]?

The narrator bought the story alive and the listening time flew. It is a fascinating story masterly weaving many themes.

What about Constantine Gregory’s performance did you like?

Good pacing. Great characterisation.

Any additional comments?

Another brilliant Naxos unabridged novel in the Russian canon. Highly recommended. Never did it drag or bore - Mr Gregory caught the spirit of the novel in his marvellous reading.

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8 people found this helpful

Essential reading

Excellent, engaging and profound, but rather too long in some parts. Discussion of belief and disbelief is highly contemporary.

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Hard to Describe

I guess the best way to describe this amazing book is that it's perhaps better experienced than read. Which is typical of this author. I nearly gave up after about 25 hours in but glad I didn't. It's really come to life again for the finale. I may well listen to it again someday.

It's clearly far from perfect. It drags a lot at various points and much that isn't really vital could easily have been snipped to give us a much shorter and more manageable work. Notwithstanding, it's still a superb achievement.

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Amazing

Wonderful book
Wonderful narration
The plot is brilliant and the characters are superb
A real masterpiece

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Great story, great performance

Excellent audiobook. I would highly recommend it. You also get your money's worth because it's so long.

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"That's plagiarism"

An interesting great family drama serving as the backdrop for a profound theological discussion. I loved Crime and Punishment, but somehow I feel this book is deeper. Dostoyevsky meditates life more broadly here. I was especially shocked to find that it contains perhaps the most thought provoking examination of the "problem of suffering / evil" that I've ever encountered (coming from someone working on a theology doctorate). Excellent book.

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Incredible!!!

I said I would listen to this on the way to work but found myself listening to it any chance I got! This is an incredible book paired with an incredible performance. Every character has their own distinctive voice which helps hugely with the enjoyment of the whole thing. The names are a bit bewildering at times but you get used to it. Dostoyevsky is a towering genius. Can not recommend this book highly enough and can not wait to get another!

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1 person found this helpful