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War and Peace

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War and Peace

By: Leo Tolstoy
Narrated by: Frederick Davidson
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About this listen

Often called the greatest novel ever written, War and Peace is at once an epic of the Napoleonic wars, a philosophical study, and a celebration of the Russian spirit. Tolstoy's genius is clearly seen in the multitude of characters in this massive chronicle, all of them fully realized and equally memorable. Out of this complex narrative emerges a profound examination of the individual's place in the historical process, one that makes it clear why Thomas Mann praised Tolstoy for his Homeric powers and placed War and Peace in the same category as The Iliad.

War and Peace was translated by Constance Garnett.

Public Domain (P)2009 Blackstone Audio Classics Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction War & Military War Russia Military Imperialism Middle Ages
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Fascinating history and narrative. The battle scenes are incredible, particularly Austerlitz.

The narrator is brilliant. Voices stay consistent throughout. Some reviews here criticise his plummy style but I think it fits the intrigues of Russian aristocracy very well.

Outstanding

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Would you be willing to try another book from Leo Tolstoy? Why or why not?

NO!Long winded doesn't even begin to describe it. I feel Mr Tolstoy fancied himself to be a bit of a philosopher. There are two epilogues! That go to over 4 hours! It's like a book on its own.The story itself is so long because there is so much needless fluff. I mean, you don't need a full paragraph just to say 'so and so went downstairs and went out the back door'!

Would you listen to another book narrated by Frederick Davidson?

His narration is far from the best I've listened to. That said I wouldn't avoid listening to another book narrated by him.

Any additional comments?

The story buried in with all the fluff is good and I did find myself caring about the main characters. It's just a shame the book felt like an ITV prime time show... Two hours of TV for 45 minutes of actual content. But, I can now say I've read/listened to an old, OLD classic.

Mr Tolstoy clearly loved the sound of his voice!

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Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

What a waste of my time and credits. I had great expectations of such a literary classic, however, they were not met by the delivery. Worse than a bored vicar on Sunday morning!

Would you recommend War and Peace to your friends? Why or why not?

No. Just such poor delivery

Who might you have cast as narrator instead of Frederick Davidson?

Anyone who can read and intone correctly. Had the narrator read any sections?

Do you think War and Peace needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

No, some stories are complete

Any additional comments?

I didn't finish this, solely due to the poor delivery. It was a monotonous drone, with no intonation, no rises or falls. No soul.

Dull delivery, dismal droning.

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The narrator was very easy to listen to and his timing was very good
The story was long with lots of highs and lows but overall brilliant

Interesting

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I think the story was good I really like this I really love it thanks

good

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