A total classic, excellent

Though not the best book I've ever read, it is certainly gripping and thought-provoking. As usual, Tolstoy is not as deep as Dostoevsky (I'm sorry but I find it impossible not to compare and contrast the two giants of Russian and late 19th c literature). Nonetheless, Tolstoy excels in his unique way of pointing out things that we've all seen or know subconsciously, but that we haven't stopped to really ponder.

The story is good though not amazing. It's good enough for the purpose, which is to expose the evil inherent in unredeemed hierarchical systems of government, justice, monetary classes and even in the Orthodox Church.

The main character is great, a very thoughtful man, undergoing a major existential crisis. This could even be regarded as an early existential novel, though with no less inferiority to the 20th c existentialist philosophers. In fact, the philosophy put forward in this novel is just as vibrant, relevant, attractive and necessary as it was when Tolstoy wrote it.

I have two minor criticisms of this great book. The first is that it could have been shorter. There isn't quite enough interaction between the main character and Maslova, the woman he used and now seeks to give himself entirely to. I spent ages going through other side plots - most of which were interesting enough - looking forward to the next encounter between these two dynamic and beautiful characters.

The second criticism has to do with the inherent and subtle contradiction within the philosophy of life Tolstoy offers. Effectively the book promotes a form of anti-catholic and anti-orthodox Christianity. A form of Christianity which not only doesn't need the external Church hierarchy or her sacraments, but where the individual is more than capable of redeeming themselves without the Church. So long as we follow the Sermon on the mount and the principles of conscience we will be fine. This would be perfectly true except that the entire purpose for the coming of the Son of God and for him founding the Holy catholic Church is that almost no one CAN in fact obey their conscience perfectly or Christ's teachings. That's why we need the sacraments, the saints, even the Church hierarchy and most especially the Holy Sacrifice offered all over the world in the Eucharist.

Tolstoy is at his most preachy in this very late novel, not that that's at all a bad thing. In fact I found the tremendous conviction with which he wrote it highly addictive to listen to, even though I couldn't agree with all of it.

It's no where near at good as Anna Karenina, and it's not one of the best novels ever. Yet Resurrection is excellent and a solid work from a great novelist.

8/10, Four stars

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brilliant

Loved it narrated excellently story line intensity was brilliant highly recommend this book for reading brilliant

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One of the best books I have experienced.

This is a long novel, well suited to an audio book. The narration was excellent, look forward to hearing it again in the future.

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5 people found this helpful

A great work

This should be as well known as Tolstoy’s other great novels. Thoroughly enjoyed.
Beautifully read!

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Great. Unabridged - long!

I loved this and took my time to listen. Tolstoy has great descriptions - read without rushing. A pleasure.

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2 people found this helpful

Every one should read it.

Dumbstruck by the neutral observation of people’s minds by the master writer and genius writer Tolstoy. Amazing level of psychology of the society which applies even today. It should be a compulsory reading to all in schools.

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supreme story from a master teller

Beautifully story about the ideal attitude to life,
and vide spectrum of all sorts of human behaviours & relationships. It seems like that Leo has studied psychology, sociology and politics. Its shame that people like in the prince only exist is stories these days

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Very Apt for Eastertide

Full of pathos and humbling with inspiration and clever twists and turns along the journey.

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A revelation

Just amazing, Tolstoy is the lion of Russian literature, I think this book is his defining statement:)

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A spiritual read.

I think this is Tolstoy best book. Even better than Anna Karenina and War and Peace. This book has given me a new way to look at live. I will go as far as to say it is one of the best book's I've ever read. Tolstoy comes near to perfection for me.

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3 people found this helpful