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The Idiot

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The Idiot

By: Fyodor Dostoevsky
Narrated by: Michael Sheen
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About this listen

Prince Lef Nikolayevitch Muishkin is one of the great characters in Russian literature. Is he a saint or just naive, an idealist or, as many in General Yepanchin's society feel, an 'idiot'? Certainly, his return to St. Petersburg after years in a Swiss clinic has a dramatic effect on the beautiful Aglaya, youngest of the Yepanchin daughters and on the charismatic but willful Nastasia Phillipovna. As he paints a vivid picture of Russian society, Dostoyevsky shows how principles conflict with emotions - with tragic results.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.

©1995 NAXOS AudioBooks Ltd. (P)1995 NAXOS AudioBooks Ltd. Classics Russia
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This is a book I have been meaning to read for years, so I was pleased to see two versions of it available on Audible. I chose this verson for two reasons - the talented narrator and actor Martin Sheen who brings to sparkling life all of the books characters, I never tired of listening. My second reason was the book and its reputation as among one of the best crafted russian tale - it certainly is a well earned reputation. I wholeheartedly recommend "The Idiot" to you - enjoy.

Great tale narrated with passion

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My absolute favourite book I have bought on this site. I instantly feel in love with Dostoevsky. This beauiful story is brought so evocatively to life by the brilliant, fanstastic and outstanding Michael Sheen. I personally could listen to him for hours and instantly went out and got the crime and punishment he also reads. I recommend this book to absolutely everyone!! It highlights how easily people's lives can be ruined not by other's greed, selfishness or any other vice...but by their innocence. Powerful stuff.

Fell in love

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A gantastic read taken up a notch by phenomenal voice acting of Michael Sheen. Highly recommended.

Exceptional Classic

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A splendid, lively reading of a concise adaptation:
I usually avoid abridged books, but I have been ploughing my way through the full text, & I must say that this came as a relief!
Radio dramatisations don’t cut it, as the novel concerns itself with mannerisms, motives & appearances - & not only actions - & is very descriptive:
Michael Sheen’s reading effectively conveys the character of all the players, I enjoyed it very much including, oddly enough, the very grim finale:
The reading is enhanced throughout by some great Russian music, appropriate to the time, place, & mood of the various scenarios - I’ll enjoy listening again!

A mammoth work, made accessible by a fine reading of a concise abridgement

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Excellent performance but the massive cut doesn’t work. The full novel is truly exceptional and it was favourite of author who had epilepsy and was reprieved just before he was about to be hung. Thankfully the cut version did explain the horrors of capital punishment.

A good attempt and Michael Sheen is wonderful narrator but this great novel shouldn’t be abridged to under four hours.

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