The House of the Dead
Gelesen von Expatriate
Fyodor Dostoyevsky
(4,559 Sterne; 152 Bewertungen)
The House of the Dead is a novel published in 1861 by Russian author Fyodor Dostoyevsky, which portrays the life of convicts in a Siberian prison camp. Dostoyevsky himself spent four years in exile in such a camp following his conviction for involvement in the Petrashevsky Circle. This experience allowed him to describe with great authenticity the conditions of prison life and the characters of the convicts. The narrator, Aleksandr Petrovich Goryanchikov, has been sentenced to penalty deportation to Siberia and ten years of hard labour. Life in prison is particularly hard for Aleksandr Petrovich, since he is a "gentleman" and suffers the malice of the other prisoners, nearly all of whom belong to the peasantry. Gradually Goryanchikov overcomes his revulsion at his situation and his fellow convicts, undergoing a spiritual re-awakening that culminates with his release from the camp. It is a work of great humanity; Dostoyevsky portrays the inmates of the prison with sympathy for their plight, and also expresses admiration for their energy, ingenuity and talent. He concludes that the existence of the prison, with its absurd practices and savage corporal punishments is a tragic fact, both for the prisoners and for Russia itself. - Summary by Wikipedia (11 hr 30 min)
Chapters
Bewertungen
excellent book
adam
(5 Sterne)
This brings one into the life of the prisoner, the pain and the humanity of having all taken away but one's humanity, and even that was not a given. Deep truths about the human condition come through, feelings of brotherhood, of alienation, and of the difficulties of living with ones fellows in such base conditions, if, as the title suggests, it is even possible to call it living. It leaves one appreciating freedom, for sure.
Steady and easy to follow.
IPenrod
(3 Sterne)
What this reading lacks in emotive expression, it makes up for in steady, consistent flow. It is easy to follow and plows through the text with consistency. It reminded me of reading from paper. Some readings give you the emotion in their vocal inflection. This reading allows you to let the text speak for itself and draws emotion out of your own imagination.
a poignant book well read
Alan
(5 Sterne)
In this book Dostoyevsky examines the human spirit through the lens of an aristocratic prisoner, whose alienation and intellect allow him to poignantly observe how the other "dead" endure their tortures and deprivations. In my opinion, this piece makes his most compelling argument for a society based more on the Christian empathy that mankind is capable of than the animalistic tendencies that mankind defaults to. Of course I am not an expert just what I got out of it. Very well read by Expatriate.
Thank you, again, Expatriate.
44blue
(5 Sterne)
Thank you for your calm , soft, even reading of this work by a writer second only to Shakespeare. Dostoevsky's writing contains so much truth about misery, suffering, and the human soul. This is one of the few Dostoevsky works I hadn't read. I so appreciate your reading, as you have brought the text out clearly and well. I found the chapter "Animals" so difficult - such cruelty, such sadness. Thank you for a dedicated reading, very well done. Regards,
I Love Librivox
Unicorn
(4,5 Sterne)
I was unable to read the great world classics when I was young. What a delight and a joy to have them available for everyone! And a great education as well. Thank u just doesn't do it. The reading was high calibre and pleasant to the ear. One of the great things in the new century.
Great book, great version
Aarushi
(5 Sterne)
This is a really good book. Becomes even better when the readers are as good as this one. It painted a picture of everything so well that I laughed and cried and felt the pain the prisoners were feeling.
Russian Writers
Kris
(5 Sterne)
Russian writers, they get the job done! I had no idea I knew so little about the Gulag but there you go eh? That narrator is one heck of a good reader to!
bittersweet
JettJett
(5 Sterne)
another fabulous reading by expatriate, thank you much for your time and efforts. I skipped over the animals chapter, being a dog lover, I couldn't bear to listen.