The Brothers Karamazov
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4.1 • 183 Ratings
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- $12.99
Publisher Description
Winner of the Pen/Book-of-the-Month Club Translation Prize
The award-winning translation of Fyodor Dostoevsky's classic novel of psychological realism.
The Brothers Karamazov is a murder mystery, a courtroom drama, and an exploration of erotic rivalry in a series of triangular love affairs involving the “wicked and sentimental” Fyodor Pavlovich Karamazov and his three sons—the impulsive and sensual Dmitri; the coldly rational Ivan; and the healthy, red-cheeked young novice Alyosha. Through the gripping events of their story, Dostoevsky portrays the whole of Russian life, is social and spiritual striving, in what was both the golden age and a tragic turning point in Russian culture.
This award-winning translation by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky remains true to the verbal inventiveness of Dostoevsky’s prose, preserving the multiple voices, the humor, and the surprising modernity of the original. It is an achievement worthy of Dostoevsky’s last and greatest novel.
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
It’s easy to see why this Russian novel, jam-packed with twists, turns, and even some sexy thrills, has become such a classic. The three Karamazov brothers—brilliant Ivan, religious Alexei, and sensualist Dmitri—couldn’t be less alike in their goals, worldviews, or relationships with their goofy failure of a father. Throughout Fyodor Dostoevsky’s riveting multigenerational saga, originally published in 1880, the siblings fight, cheat, and forge alliances between spouses and extended family. Dostoevsky’s heroes and antiheroes are surprisingly modern, navigating the all-too-human themes of jealousy, greed, faith, and passion. The Brothers Karamazov is a masterpiece that’s like a family saga, a mystery, a legal drama, and an erotic thriller all rolled into one.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
The depth, complexity, and length of what many consider to be Dostoyevski's best work make it one of the hardest classic novels to bring to audio. The philosophical novel/murder mystery set in 19th-century Russia requires a strong and versatile narrator to keep listeners going for the day-and-a-half-plus duration. Thankfully, narrator Constantine Gregory masters the challenge. In doing so, he manages the omniscient third-person narration by using a pleasant mellifluous tone that invites the listener to relax and approach the text patiently and carefully. The novel also features first-person voices from the large cast of characters, such as Father Zosima, who, naturally enough, argues for the existence of a higher power and Gregory is able to imbue those sections with enough individuality to make them as distinct as the author intended.
Customer Reviews
Dostoevsky never disappoints
This book along with The Idiot and Crime and Punishment are the best books I’ve ever read. Dostoevsky has made me enjoy reading and turn it into a habit. Forever grateful that such a great author has lived and I’ve been fortunate enough to find his work (thanks to direction from Jordan Peterson). It’s a huge book, the largest I’ve read so far, but every page is worth it!