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The Brothers Karamazov  By  cover art

The Brothers Karamazov

By: Fyodor Dostoyevsky, David McDuff - translator
Narrated by: Luke Thompson
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Publisher's summary

Brought to you by Penguin.

This Penguin Classic is performed by Luke Thompson, best known for his role in the hit Netflix drama Bridgerton. This definitive recording includes an introduction by David McDuff.

The murder of brutal landowner Fyodor Karamazov changes the lives of his sons irrevocably: Mitya, the sensualist, whose bitter rivalry with his father immediately places him under suspicion for parricide; Ivan, the intellectual, driven to breakdown; the spiritual Alyosha, who tries to heal the family's rifts; and the shadowy figure of their bastard half-brother, Smerdyakov. Dostoyevsky's dark masterwork evokes a world where the lines between innocence and corruption, good and evil, blur and everyone's faith in humanity is tested.

Translated with an introduction and notes by David McDuff.

©2003 David McDuff (P)2021 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"The most magnificent novel ever written." (Sigmund Freud)

What listeners say about The Brothers Karamazov

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Brilliant Performance

I expected the book to be astounding, else why would we still be reading it a century and a half after it’s publication, and it was utterly magnificent. A work of genius. What I didn’t expect and was delighted to discover was Luke Thompson’s masterful performance. His delivery of Dostoyevsky’s labyrinthine prose is captivating and his distinct portrayal of every character is utterly believable. His reading sweeps you into the story and holds you there for the entire telling, even during the lengthy philosophical detours. It was a pleasure worth far more than the one credit I paid. Bravo Luke Thompson!

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  • Overall
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Absolutely Worth It

I have picked up and put down unfinished the Brothers Karamazov multiple times in my life. This audiobook version is the only reason I (finally) finished it. Together, Luke Thompson's voice and David McDuff's translation, have turned this into something magical. I finally get that this novel is to be savored rather than consumed. Cannot recommend it enough!

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  • Overall
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    5 out of 5 stars

Just 'WOW'; Fantastic translation and narration!

This was a novel that took me years to get through. But once I found the right translation and audio book, I was able to not only plow through this novel with quick assertion, but I enjoyed it to a level I didn't think would be possible.
Much thanks to All Involved! Just WOW!

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  • Overall
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Amazing book and excellent performance

I’m new to Russian literature. Now I see what the big deal is. This journey is so worth the time. Nothing gratuitous. Every rabbit trail informing the overall story. Love, love, love.

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  • Overall
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Listen to it twice.

The first time I listened to this book I had a little trouble with it. It’s hard to keep up with at times. I gave it a second go a couple years later and it was sooo much better. It was more entertaining and you catch so much more having gone through it already.

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A Monumental novel exceptionally read

The scope and depth of The Brothers Karamazov is not only in its nearly 1000 pages. The story of Karamazov and his three sons, Dostoevsky creates a cast of characters whose actions explore the ideas of familial relationships, religion, love, suffering, redemption, and crime and punishment. His cast of characters, living in a small Russian community in the latter part of the nineteenth century, are convincingly human and the plot gives Dostoevsky the scope and depth to explore his provocative themes.

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Amazing reader

Really magical reader. It’s been said before but it bears repeating, he brought a classic novel to life, and with a translation that is alleged to be at times in “unnatural english” he made even the strangest phrases feel familiar.

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This is as good as it gets.

Deep, complex, engrossing novel read by a talented actor who brings the book alive. I listened at 1.3 speed and it was just right.

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Performance Absolutely Amazing

The performance was on a different level. Absolutely tremendous. Played it with my wife in the car and she was shocked at the level of narration. Would give 6 stars if I could.

The book itself is good, and interesting, but very long and arduous. I was really fighting the final book, especially the 2-hour long monologue (holy cow that was difficult). Very intricate with many complex characters, but the style of writing just wasn’t quite for me. Still giving the story 4/5 because it really is an uber-impressive work.

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Extraordinary in every way

The best voiceover work of one of the best books ever written! A must-listen!

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