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The Idiot (Dramatized)

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The Idiot (Dramatized)

By: Fyodor Dostoevsky
Narrated by: Edward Asner, Kate Asner, Angela Bettis, Arye Gross, John Kapelos, Robert Machray, Jon Matthews
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About this listen

David Fishelson has transformed Dostoyevsky’s The Idiot into a spellbinding drama that illuminates the titanic novel. In The Idiot, meet the kindly, childlike Prince Myshkin, as he returns to the decadent social whirl of 1860s St. Petersburg. The two most beautiful, sought-after women in the town compete for his affections, in a duel that grows increasingly dangerous.

©1993 David Fishelson (P)1993 L.A. Theatre Works Classics Drama & Plays

Editor reviews

In L.A. Theatre Works' compelling production of Dostoyevsky's classic The Idiot, two beautiful women compete for the affections of a naïve young man, Prince Myshkin, who has recently returned to St. Petersburg's decadent social scene after a stint in a Swiss sanatorium. Recorded in front of a live audience, this stage production features a cast of notable Hollywood actors including Edward Asner, Kate Asner, and Angela Bettis, whose captivating performances will draw listeners into the story. With its crisp acting and clear acoustics, this production of The Idiot brings a modern edge to one of the most important novels of the Golden Age of Russian literature.
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First read of the novel. Great way to enjoy it. Not sure always of the acting... but wow what words they are. A really important piece of writing.

Fantastic

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Although The Idiot is an excellent story by Dostoevsky, this adaptation by David Fisherson does it little justice. It feels more like a chaotic stage play than an audiobook — with overlapping voices, background noise, and even audience laughter at odd moments.

The result is confusing and unpleasant to listen to. The rushed dialogue and poor sound mix make it hard to follow the story or appreciate the characters.

I gave this dramatized version a try, but it only reinforced my dislike for this style of audiobook. Not recommended for anyone who wants to truly experience Dostoevsky’s The Idiot.

The blind mans theatrical

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