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Doctor Zhivago

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Doctor Zhivago

By: Boris Pasternak
Narrated by: Phillip Madoc
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

Translated by Max Hayward and Manya Harari.

Banned in the Soviet Union until 1988, Doctor Zhivago is the epic story of the life and loves of a poet-physician during the turmoil of the Russian Revolution. Taking his family from Moscow to shelter in the Ural Mountains, Yuri Zhivago finds himself embroiled in a battle between the Whites and the Reds and in love with the beautiful nurse Lara.

©2011 Boris Pasternak (P)2011 Random House Audio Go Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Romance Russia Soviet Union

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All stars
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An excellent reading of this classic helped enormously by the translation.

I compare this version to the one read by Juliet Stevenson which was, frankly, turgid.

Excellent reading

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My favourite film of all time is Dr Zhivago with Julie Christie and Omar Sharif. I’ve always meant to read the original but the fat tome has sat on my bookshelves unread for decades, whereas this audio version has accompanied me as I do other things and the many hours have sped by. It’s a monumental work that tells the developing love story of Yuri and Lara against the backdrop of early 20th century Russian history.

I have to say that if I hadn’t seen the film recently I think I would have been lost among the numerous characters and locations with unfamiliar names. Even so there is a lot extra material in the book with side stories and, for me, a too many lengthy monologues on politics, theology and philosophical musings. Tolstoy’s War and Peace has the same propensity which may have influenced Pasternak.

For those who have seen the film and can visualize the scenes as you hear them described it’s a five start listen.

The narrator give a tour de force performance that enhanced the power of the book.

An epic of love and war

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I can't fault the book. it's a classic, a Russian classic which means that is sad, tragic, depressing and of course beautifully written. if you love classics then a must read, but of course be prepared to leave it depressed and broken.

Yep, you guessed it

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A stunning life story set in the Russian revolution. The author manages a wide cast of very believable characters as he flits effortlessly between the adorable, the deeply emotive, the violent and terrifying, and some of the most beautifully crafted scenery painting I have read.
The performer is marvelous. The way he smoothly slides between male and female characters makes it a joy to listen to. His range is excellent. Great job.
Pasternak stages coincidences through the book which were both wonderful and occasionally heartbreaking.
Saying all that it is long and starts densely. Some may find it hard to get into, my advice is to let it wash over you, and you will catch up as you go along. It is worth it.

Can't rate it high enough.

Can only praise this book.

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An absolutely wonderful audio book. Phillip Madoc performs beautifully. His voice is full of melody, it drew me further into the story than did the words alone and he used it to make each character come alive as distinct individuals.
I will listen to this book again and again.

a joy to listen to

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