Crime and Punishment

I listened to several of the available samples before choosing this particular recording. People seem to get quite heated about which translations are the better, and of course I'm no expert, but my personal opinion is that this version flows along really well and is not at all stilted; in fact, most of the time I forgot I was listening to a translation.

The story itself is really gripping and compulsive, much of it dealing with the almost unbearable mental torment suffered by the central character. Anthony Heald reads the book with great expression and feeling and I found myself totally absorbed as I listened.

My only slight difficulty (which would have been the same whichever recording I'd chosen) was that occasionally I got a bit mixed up between the many similar sounding (to me) Russian names: I therefore recommend not leaving too long between listening sessions, as without the physical book there it's hard to go back and check who's who when you've forgotton.

Crime and Punishment is such a dark and intense book, with a reputation arguably with being difficult which I'm sure puts many people off. Perhaps, however, the best way to experience it is an audiobook; much of the book comprises dialogue or inner monologue, so a good narrator can really make sense of the story and bring the book alive.

And indeed Anthony Heal does a marvellous job in this audio-version; he reads at quite a pace, but always clearly, and this in fact suits Dostoyevsky's style very well. He also paints the large cast of complex characters in a convincing and vivid way, and is assured with the pronunciation of Russian names. I have previously listened to the George Guidall reading, which is truly excellent, but this version is just as good.

One minor beef: sound quality was not ideal - quite heavy in the base registry - surprising with such a modern recording; dont think it was my headphones, but try a sample first if you are thinkng of buying the book, though I wouldn't let this put you off.

I had been encouraged by a Russian Orthodox Priest to read Crime & Punishment so was delighted to find it in the Audible listing. I was totally drawn into the story by the way Anthony Heald narrated it and couldn't wait for the next opportunity to continue listening. In some way this is a dark story but it is an amazing study of humanity under pressure. I highly recommend this Russian Classic by one or Russia's great authors.

My first Dostoevsky novel and he can certainly weave a tale. Beautifully translated with memorable characters, this novel has longevity. What I liked most was how some chapters and scenes in the book could evoke totally opposite emotions simultaneously (e.g. the dinner service after the funeral-hilarious or tragic? Or maybe one because of the other)
Did not like or agree with the ending though and certainly don’t believe that the main character was punished enough for his crime (felt cheated) which to some extend makes me question the authors character.
Anthony Heald’s reading is simply superb. His vocal range not only brought all the numerous personalities to life, male or female, but also made identifying each one rather easy. He is so good in fact that I have my eye on another one of his narrations “fathers and sons” by Turgenev.