Play Audiobook Sample
The Brothers Karamazov Audiobook
Play Audiobook Sample
(4.00) - 77,743 listener ratings
Quick Stats About this Audiobook
Total Audiobook Chapters:
Longest Chapter Length:
Shortest Chapter Length:
Average Chapter Length:
Audiobooks by this Author:
Publisher Description
This passionate novel of ethics and morality, religion and philosophy was Dostoevsky’s final and best work.
After spending four years in a Siberian penal settlement, during which time he underwent a religious conversion, Dostoevsky developed a keen ability for deep character analysis. In The Brothers Karamazov, he explores human nature at its most loathsome and cruel but never flinches at what he finds.
The Brothers Karamazov tells the stirring tale of four brothers: the pleasure-seeking, impatient Dmitri; the brilliant and morose Ivan; the gentle, loving, and honest Alyosha; and the illegitimate Smerdyakov: shy, silent, and cruel. The four unite in the murder of one of literature’s most despicable characters—their father. While on the surface a story about patricide, this novel is, on a deeper level, a spiritual tale of the struggle between faith, doubt, reason, and free will.
Download and start listening now!
"An intense read which takes a lot of time and thought....a story which explores various emotions of the human mind in context of religion, society, conscience etc. Each character makes at interesting study and how they come together to form the story is spectacular. It is an open ended novel, for the time it tool to read I would've preferred all ends to have been tied up but then the author would've stamped is thoughts and morality on it...instead of us deciding on the issue and make our own opinions. Will probably take a few more reads to understand it thoroughly but not sure this life will afford me the time...a classic and a must read for English literature enthusiasts"
— Pavan (5 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
-
“This novel will shatter those who are ready for it, ready for Dostoevsky’s courage to plunge into the abyss of human cruelty, and his wisdom at locating what grace there is. This is a novel of ultimate destruction and grace. It has in it the whole lived world, also heaven, also hell.”
— Rachel Kushner, New York Times bestselling author -
“[Dostoevsky is] at once the most literary and compulsively readable of novelists we continue to regard as great…The Brothers Karamazov stands as the culmination of his art—his last, longest, richest, and most capacious book.”
— Washington Post Book World -
“A dramatic and psychological representation of the moral consequences involved in the acceptance of rejection of the existence of God.”
— New York Times -
“The Brother Karamazov...is the strongest [novel] Dostoevsky composed, and is where his genius should be sought...he seems to me to have a deeper relationship with Shakespeare than criticism so far has revealed.”
— Harold Bloom -
“The Brothers Karamazov is the most magnificent novel ever written.”
— Sigmund Freud -
“Heartily recommended to any reader who wishes to come as close to Dostoevsky’s Russian as it is possible.”
— Joseph Frank, Princeton University
The Brothers Karamazov Listener Reviews
-
—
sojan parappilly, 2/10/2024
-
—
Marc Reibold, 12/27/2022
-
—
David Leach, 1/5/2022
-
—
Thoimas Anderson, 4/19/2021
-
" The Yul Brenner movie adaption was very close to capturing the power and glory of this book "
— Readers, 2/20/2014 -
" Certainly the chef d'oeuvre of Dostoyevsky. The best part of the book would be the importance given to the personality of each character. Highly exhaustive to read, and definitely worthwhile. With the reader having close knowledge on all the characters, the premise gets a new beauty. Such a trait can hardly be seen in any other literary work. "
— Nikhil, 2/16/2014 -
" It was lengthy but it was a classic. Good read. "
— Stephany, 2/5/2014 -
" The Shelf: Accepted. Favored Author. "
— London, 1/31/2014 -
" I heart Dostoyevsky and this was definitely a good book with all the story lines and plots. I have to say I prefer Crime & Punishment on the margin... "
— Taena, 1/29/2014 -
" Everyone has to read this book!! Simply the best of Russian literature with chapters that knock your socks off on religion, etc... I love the characters, the history- the story... "
— Gayle, 1/23/2014 -
" I have loved this book since 7th grade . I chose to read it and have loved the beautiful tragedy that is portrayed non too delicately in this classic. Dostoevsky has been a favorite of mine ever since "
— Sylvanna, 1/16/2014 -
" Beautiful story and sub stories. Some parts of the book were a drag (for example that debate about the role of religion and religious institutions; yes it was interesting, but it dragged a bit) and some parts were absolutely gorgeous. "
— Chris, 1/11/2014 -
" Amazingly tedious. Very few redeeming qualities. I suppose for its time it was revolutionary in its approach to theology, and I'm sure the world is a better place for this book having been written, but I don't see much reason to read it any longer. "
— Peter, 1/7/2014 -
" Not loving this book makes me feel like I've done something wrong. "
— Benny, 12/20/2013 -
" Aloysha, The Grand Inquisitor, spiritual fathers, and what it means to love humankind and to love truly are all tidbits that add up to greatness in this. Life-changer for me. "
— Maria, 12/11/2013 -
" Dostoyevsky at his best. Stunning. "
— Ðнна, 12/5/2013 -
" read again..ah..a medley of human passions.. "
— Jijo, 11/30/2013 -
" This is not a novel, it's more like a psychology text book. Plus the russian names get stuck in my head worse than catchy pop music. "
— KatieSuzanne, 11/29/2013 -
" It's long. Interesting and vivid portrait of humanity and divinity, of what is good and bad. "
— Terrifictherese, 11/26/2013 -
" Did not like this book as much as his others but a good read nonetheless. "
— Julia, 11/20/2013 -
" In my opinion, this is the best book ever written -- utterly compelling. "
— Marc, 11/1/2013 -
" Brilliant, lively, playful even, telling of collective spiritual death. "
— Simon, 9/17/2013 -
" Classic! Courtroom Drama, love triangle and most impressive apologetics vs. counter apologetics:) "
— John, 8/15/2013 -
" I enjoyed this more than any I have read. It examined the philosophies of the major characters in good depth with most influence on beliefs in God. The hero Aloysha was very honest and his brother Dmitri, although honest, was worldly. The end was a bit depressing. "
— Terry, 8/2/2013 -
" I had a version translated straight from Russian so it was a bit hard to understand at times but over all a good book "
— Kay, 7/18/2013 -
" I read this a long time ago - need to get a new copy, actually. Absolutely marvelous, like everything Dostoyevsky ever wrote. "
— Emma, 6/21/2013 -
" Quite simply, the greatest philosophical novel and work apart from the Holy Bible. "
— Vaughan, 2/2/2013 -
" One of the most important books I've ever read, and one with profound significance for the twentieth century. "
— Joshua, 2/2/2013 -
" The best novel I have ever red "
— Aram, 10/24/2012 -
" one of the best books of all times. "
— Nermin, 2/18/2012 -
" Absolutely stunning! The whole book should be quoted! "
— Карина, 8/29/2011 -
" Great insight into the life of Russians a century ago, very interesting read "
— Vicki, 4/8/2011 -
" Most likely my favorite book of all time. Check out the chapter "The Grand Inquisitor" for some real intellectual mind blowing truth. "
— Christina, 10/26/2010 -
" Beautiful....so many reflections and lessons. Seems like the world hasn't change since those years. Human nature still remain intact. "
— Edu, 7/17/2010 -
" Best book ever written! I'll marry the man who also likes it... "
— Hilary, 4/14/2010 -
" must read for anyone interested in politics and religion "
— Siavash, 3/6/2010 -
" GReat book by great author. Long winded but extremely good. Characters are developed very well. "
— Jory, 2/26/2009 -
" One of the five best books fictional dramas I have read to date. This book cemented the author as my second favourite writer of all time. I cannot recommend it highly enough. "
— Eric, 8/17/2008 -
" Review posted on my blog: Timthast.blogspot.com "
— Timthast, 1/25/2008 -
" Very good book indeed. A little slow and hard to concentrate on at times - maybe to do with the translation, but full of little gems. "
— Mark, 9/26/2007
About Fyodor Dostoevsky
Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky (1821–1881) was a Russian novelist, journalist, and short-story writer whose psychological penetration into the darkest recesses of the human heart had a profound and universal influence on the twentieth-century novel. He was born in Moscow, the son of a surgeon. Leaving the study of engineering for literature, he published Poor Folk in 1846. As a member of revolutionary circles in St. Petersburg, he was condemned to death in 1849. A last-minute reprieve sent him to Siberia for hard labor. Returning to St. Petersburg in 1859, he worked as a journalist and completed his masterpiece, Crime and Punishment, as well as other works, including The Idiot and The Brothers Karamazov.
About Frederick Davidson
Frederick Davidson (1932–2005), also known as David Case, was one of the most prolific readers in the audiobook industry, recording more than eight hundred audiobooks in his lifetime, including over two hundred for Blackstone Audio. Born in London, he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and performed for many years in radio plays for the British Broadcasting Company before coming to America in 1976. He received AudioFile’s Golden Voice Award and numerous Earphones Awards and was nominated for a Grammy for his readings.