Great narration of an enthralling classic text

I am a sincere devotee of Tolstoy, having read War and Peace, unabridged, through from beginning to end and enjoyed it so much that I plan to re-read it. It is a complete world, as all great novels are, with scheming and virtuous characters enjoying both good and bad fortune, sometimes as a result of careful planning, sometimes by a twist of fate. Like Shakespeare, Tolstoy is particularly good at delineating the motives of a character and what drives him or her. As a devotee of Tolstoy, I have purchased both unabridged versions of the audiobook of War and Peace, read by Frederick Davidson and Neville Jason respectively. Given the differing opinions that have been voiced in other reviews, I decided to begin by playing Chapter 1 of both audiobooks only, one after the other, to experience both versions at the same sitting. This review is being left on the review page for both audiobooks and may be added to after I have finished listening to each one.

In my opinion, both narrators are excellent in different ways. Frederick Davidson delivers his narration in a cynical, slightly world – weary tone while Neville Jason adopts a sprightly, slightly more cheerful tone. Both bring out different subtleties in the text and have equal veracity and force – in each case, literally, being a different reading of a stupendous text that can be experienced in more than one way. The majority of reviews seem to prefer Neville Jason’s reading, but this may in part reflect a perhaps natural preference for a more sunny tone. It doesn’t take away from the darker narrative delivered by Frederick Davidson.

Other issues – the text is simply narrated as it is set down on the page by Frederick Davidson: in fact, I am sure that it is the same text/ translation that I have already read. It’s a straightforward reading of this classic novel. In the Neville Jason version, there are just one or two embellishments which I don’t remember reading in the text, such as the statement at the beginning of Chapter 1 that the date is 1805. It may seem a small point, but I find such embellishments annoying and unnecessary (because they weren’t there to begin with) and, as such, detract from the text. This is likely to be due to the editing / editor of this edition and not to Neville Jason himself.

So far I am enjoying the Frederick Davidson narration more. Although the Neville Jason narration is also very good, I personally prefer the slightly cynical, darker view and lack of embellishments in the Frederick Davidson narration.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

It's very long!

Volume 1 and Volume 2:

Quite a challenge, but I guess that is why I took it on. Keeping a written list of the characters that make up the five main families in the book really helped me. (They are introduced during a party at the very beginning.) Also I followed Spark Notes as I went along, that helped me in understanding the very many characters who popped up briefly during the long plot, and the deeper meaning behind the story being told.

This is about the Napoleonic wars, and especially the 1812 invasion of Russia, so reading up some history before starting the book was worthwhile. That is the War part. The peace part is reflected in the "soap opera" among the 5 families - the usual period drama stuff about who loves whom, who actually has money, and so with that in mind, who will actually marry whom.

Amongst all this the narrator keeps jumping in with his philosophical thoughts on Freewill & Inevitability and their role in wars and history. For the whole of the two hour Epilogue-2, we hear nothing else.

So in all, I would say it is well worth the read, but it takes effort if you are to get anything out of it and not just let it wash over you as you doze. The quality of the writing is excellent.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

One of the great historical novels

If you could sum up War and Peace, Volume 1 in three words, what would they be?

Moving, entertaining, enthralling.

Who was your favorite character and why?

It is impossible to choose a favourite character - their stories weave in and out of each other's with such skill. Each character is loveable and flawed, fully human as only Tolstoy can write them.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Excellent

Great is an overused word but this is an excellent, intelligent, characterful reading of a truly great book.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

War and Peace

IMHAVE been awake all night as I couldn't turn off this book. Now I've finished Volume 1 I have to buy Volume 2 . I enjoyed every minute, beautifully read an absolute joy.Shirley-Ann Humphries

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

A masterclass

The best audiobook narrator hands down. The story is magnificent, but Neville Jason brings the characters to life!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Exemplary

This is a masterclass in how an audiobook should be read. If you have always promised yourself to read/re-read War & Peace and just haven't got round to it do yourself a favour and download this version, I think you can all imagine the
unremitting tedium of a boringly read W&P - this is anything but.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

28 people found this helpful

Do not miss this book!

Where does War and Peace, Volume 1 rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

W&P1 is my first audio book. I think after I have listened to W&P2 that it will all be downhill from then on. This book is one of the most compelling books ever! It's characters and structure are magnificent - there are scenes that made me excited, nervous, tearful and joyful! I wlll be bereft without my daily excerpt and I envy anyone who is yet to read this for the first time. Don't be put off by the length or any fear that lingers from its reputation. This a cultural highpoint for humanity and best of all - it is fantastic entertainment.

Who was your favorite character and why?

There are too many wonderful characters but I guess I tend towards the Bolkonsky family, old Nikolay, Andrei, Maria plus that eternal seeker and optimist, Pierre Bezuhov! They are all trying to find purpose in life in an uncomplaining and energetic way.

What about Neville Jason’s performance did you like?

Neville Jason is a narrative genius! He has an incredible range of voices and brings characters and the book to vivid life. I think that after exepriencing his beautiful voice and his authorative voicing of the vast range of characters that anyone will be filled with admiration. I always think of Martin Jarvis as a narrative 'gold standard' but Neville is 'Martin Jarvis plus'.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The book does make you laugh in parts and experience joy. There are parts that are incredibly exciting cliff hangers, you fear for characters and you can also experience a range of perspectives on life from the very old to the very young. An example would be the cares of a parent for the wayward nature of a carefree young child - the parent sees the fearful potential and the child sees opportunity and challenge. Both views are valid and they contribute to the richness of this book.

Any additional comments?

I can only urge members to listen to this book - as others have said - it is unmissable!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

11 people found this helpful

A great book, beautifully read.

I seldom award five stars to anything - on the premise that there is always room for improvement - but I have broken my rule in the case of Neville Jason's reading of War and Peace.
This is a very long book but Jason never flags. He manages the female characters convincingly (not easy for a male reader without sounding ridiculous) and possesses a first class command of accents. I was especially impressed with his reading of the great set piece passages in the book: battles, the hunt etc.
Thoroughly recommended; I am now embarking on Volume Two.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Outstanding

One of the greatest books ever written, given a truly great reading by Neville Jason. Impossible to imagine it done better. Just a joy from start to finish.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful