The Kreutzer Sonata cover art

The Kreutzer Sonata

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The Kreutzer Sonata

By: Leo Tolstoy
Narrated by: Simon Prebble
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About this listen

One of the world’s greatest novelists, Leo Tolstoy was also the author of a number of superb short stories, one of his best known being “The Kreutzer Sonata.” This macabre story involves the murder of a wife by her husband. It is a penetrating study of jealousy as well as a piercing complaint about the way in which society educates men and women in matters of sex - a serious condemnation of the mores and attitudes of the wealthy, educated class.

Leo Tolstoy (1828–1910) was born in Russia. His parents, who died when he was young, were of noble birth. He served in the army in the Caucasus and Crimea, where he wrote his first stories. He is especially known for his masterpieces, War and Peace (1869) and Anna Karenina (1877).

Public Domain (P)2012 Blackstone Audio, Inc. Anthologies & Short Stories Fiction Short Stories Russia Marriage Scary Thought-Provoking

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All stars
Most relevant
This is an observation on human relations in 1880's that probably were held until very recently in some countries and unfortunately is much similar to today in some cultures. The narrative includes believable emotions and consideration of internalised reasoning that are insightful but also disturbing.
A good performance, I could image this as a play.

Believable emotion

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The reading was brilliant. The book was amazing, describing jealousy so very accurately. It will stay with me for a long time

Amazing

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Tolstoy is so brilliant a writer, I wondered why I had never before found his short stories. Mmm, now I think I know. The Kreutzer Sonata is, indeed, well crafted but disturbingly twisted as a man on a long train journey confesses his obsession with, and murder of his wife, the mother of his children. And is released after the killing is determined to be one of passion.
The excellent writing only further enhanced this reader's emotional repugnance, especially given that the narrator was the also excellent Simon Prebble, who further enhanced the text with his low key performance.
Not a book who's content I would recommend, impartial though it is.

I downloaded a complementary copy of The Kreutzer Sonata as part of the Audible + programme. Thank you, Audible.

" An imperceptible smile."

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Tolstoy is a master and something of a philosopher. This features a long vitriolic attack on the ills of society and blends several characters from Shakespeare including perhaps Leontes, Othello, Timon. It’s worth a listen for sure and it’s free to members but it’s not the best of Tolstoy and the good performance is spoiled by a long monologue playing someone very bitter and full of self loathing. There is a deeper reflective value though

A novella riffing on jealousy and railing on society

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Simon Prebble provides an excellent narration, the pace is perfect allowing the listener to sit in on the conversation is almost surreal. Tolstoy has the Nate ability to observe and record conversations and surroundings and present them like no other writer.

Superb Tolstoy at his best!

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