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  • War and Peace, Volume 2

  • By: Leo Tolstoy
  • Narrated by: Neville Jason
  • Length: 31 hrs and 24 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (757 ratings)
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War and Peace, Volume 2

By: Leo Tolstoy
Narrated by: Neville Jason
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Summary

War and Peace is one of the greatest monuments in world literature. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars, it examines the relationship between the individual and the relentless march of history. Here are the universal themes of love and hate, ambition and despair, youth and age, expressed with a swirling vitality which makes the book as accessible today as it was when it was first published in 1869.

In addition it is, famously, one of the longest books in Western literature and therefore a remarkable challenge for any reader. Neville Jason read the abridged version of War and Peace and proved his marathon powers with his outstanding performance of Proust's Remembrance of Things Past. These make him the ideal narrator to essay Tolstoy's epic.

War and Peace was translated by Louise and Aylmer Maude.

© and (P) Naxos Rights International

Critic reviews

" War and Peace presents us with a complete picture of human life; a complete picture of the Russia of those days; a complete historic picture of the struggle of nations; and a complete picture of the things in which men set their happiness and greatness, their sorrow and their shame." (A.V. Knowles, Tolstoy: The Critical Heritage)
"There remains the greatest of all novelists - for what else can we call the author of War and Peace?" (Virginia Woolf)

What listeners say about War and Peace, Volume 2

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Better than I remembered

I read War and Peace about thirty years ago. Having now completed listening to both volumes all I can say is it is better than I remembered. As a twenty year old I was obsessed with the lives of the protagonists. Now I'm in my fifties I was much more interested in Tolstoy's discussion of the how the war happened almost independently of the activities of Emperors and Generals. The final epilogue to volume 2 is a fascinating discussion of free will.



The narration was excellent throughout. I will definitely be listening to some more "classics".



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14 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Fabulous

I need to refute the previous review. The range of Jason's voice and interpretation is astounding. As for the story and how it is written, never fear. This is a long and engrossing historical novel with plenty of wide panaoramic views and attention to romantic and period detail. Situations are described in their essence and the flavour of the time thoroughly captured. The spiritual aspect of Tolstoy's tale is as gripping as the unfolding of the events.It is fabulous!

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12 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Beautifully narrated classic

I cannot fault this recording. This lengthy and increasingly discursive novel is not for everyone but is much more accessible via the spoken word. If you have always felt that you should have read it but could not face the sheer length, give Volumes 1 & 2 from Audible with its excellent narration a try.
Having read this book more than once before listening I believe I have gained even more from this audio version.

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars

Disappointing

All the fuss over this being the ‘greatest novel’ left me disappointed. Volume1 was the more involving, Volume 2 descends into a very tedious philosophical diatribe. I found the characterisation of women entirely from a male perspective, they are without exception portrayed as shallow and frivolous, even Princess Marya’s faith is a desperate escape from her domineering family. The characterisation of the serfs and working people is simply embarrassing to read/hear. This is a book written by and about the educated ruling male. None of the characters is appealing or feels worth investing interest in. I loved Anna Karenin and so this tome proved hugely disappointing. Tolstoy needed a good editor.

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Over 30 hours of dramatic history!

I have always meant to read War & Peace. A real 'bucket list' entry! It took me years to finally purchase the paperbacks and I only managed to find time to wrestle with the first chapter weeks later. I then hunted for it on Audible! Sublime! Well spoken diction and French inflections, makes the book all the more satisfying. It took me 2months to make my way through over 30 hours of book one and again in book two but it was worth every minute. Sat in traffic has never been more appealing than listening to the plight of Moscow and its aristocratic inhabitants during this most turbulent period. A must read for anyone and everyone!

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars

Great reading of a classic!

If it were up to the reading alone, I would give this audiobook at least a four-star. Neville Jason read it well and made it enjoyable to listen to. Unfortunately, as highly praised as the book is, I did not enjoy it as much. It's long, and at times winded. I am not one to be daunted by big books, and without a doubt Tolstoy's writing is lasting, but the vastness of the tale just did not manage to capture me. At times the story managed to transported me to 19th century Russia, but other times it talked about such miniscule things and so many people that I just couldn't keep my interest at bay. I enjoyed the Peace part, not so much the War part or the essaying like in the Second Epilogue.

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Beautiful. Just beautiful.

When I finished listening to the second epilog my first thought was: oh my God, how is the world and our understanding of ourselves and the nature of free will not been completely uprooted and revolutionised by this essay? I shall have to look it up. I'm sure smarter people than me have looked at this and have come up with good reasons. It should be interesting never the to know why.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Truly Epic

I'm sure that there are very many better and more detailed reviews of War and Peace, but for me this has been very much worth the time. The reading is simply superb and quite frankly leads you through it skilfully and carefully. The characters soon become well known and though the style is long ( hurry up and die will you) the story is highly entertaining and a deep insight into the time and culture. Go for it!

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent book. Excellent narration.

It took me a long time to work through. but it was thoroughly gripping.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Wow. Just Wow.

I am too speechless for words to write this review. I humbly apologise to the reader. Please excuse me while I scramble to collect the pieces of my mind which has exploded all over the room.

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1 person found this helpful