The Brothers Karamazov (version 3)
Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Read by Bruce Pirie
Originally published in serial form in 1879-80, “The Brothers Karamazov” is recognized as one of the very greatest masterpieces of world literature. It is the last and finest novel of Fyodor Dostoyevsky, who died before writing a planned sequel.
The story is organized initially around the efforts of adult sons to deal with their cantankerous and exasperating father. More important, they also have to deal with the problem of how to live in a world where it is difficult to be sure of the truth — whether that be “truth” about others, about oneself, or about deep questions such as faith, doubt, free will, guilt, and responsibility.
Dostoyevsky’s technique underlines the difficulty of attaining sure knowledge. The novel’s psychological and philosophical depth sets the stage for modern novelists such as Joyce, Kafka, and Woolf. “The Brothers Karamazov” has been a favorite book for readers as diverse as Albert Einstein, Sigmund Freud, Joseph Stalin, Vladimir Putin, and Hillary Clinton. - Summary by Bruce Pirie (39 hr 37 min)
Chapters
Reviews
A must read
Compulsive Reader
I find it hard to believe that I am the first person to review this outstanding literary work. There clearly was meant to be a follow up, but sadly Mr. Dostoyevsky died before that came to pass. Mr. Pirie, the narrator, is one of the best I have listened to. Thanks to all that made this possible, JK.
You deserve to read this book
J.M.
A book every person deserves to read especially those with a keen interest into the human condition and the reality of our existence. Dostoevsky brings to life in one story a saint and a devil, and offers his advice entirely on the ethics of the good life all within a 40 hour read. The recording was of the highest quality and never throughout the lengthy novel, wavered slightly in its impressive tone and cadence. This book has done wonders in my life and it is a wonder to see it so consumable and accessible. Dostoevsky’s genius is fully revealed in his ability to fully circumstances in the viewpoint of such radically different characters. In a moment he is able to capture the most impressive atheist argument and counter it most effectively with the words and life of a saint. It makes one think that both ideas must have lived inside of him at one point, the base and the holy ideal. In short he is a perfect Karamazov
Excellent!
GJF
I'm surprised this version has so few comments. I hope people listen to this one instead of the one with various volunteer readers. This version is wonderful, consistent, and is definitely alleviating the headache I got from trying to get through version 1.
FD
Very well read. This is the best audio version to get oneself immersed in this master piece - FD
A Must Read
Nina
A most excellent work. The fundamental philosophical questions the author examines through the diverse personalities that constitute the Karamazov family, and the society in which they live, are the same ones that still plague men today. Bruce Pirie with his wonderful narration quite literally brings the book to life, and, listening to him, one can fancy themselves eye witnesses of the events that make up the book. The end was rather abrupt I found, but not disappointingly so. I’d have loved something like an epilogue to discover what became especially of Mitya and Ivan Karamazov, of Liz, of Kolya... Still this is by degrees one of the best classics I ever laid my hands on.
Hooray for Karamazov!
Owen Kelly
Excellent rendering by the narrator. This bitter and bright story leaves the reader wanting more and yet overwhelming satisfies. Dostoyevsky surely intended the enigmatic ending to serve some mysterious purpose, key to the larger narrative and serving as the perfect creshendo. A work of true beauty!
Incredible!
SpecialFX
incredible book and so grateful to the narrator Bruce.. he's the man
Sonja
I can’t imagine a better reader for this amazing book! Thank you, Bruce!!