Eugene Onéguine


Read by MaryAnn

(4.5 stars; 43 reviews)

Eugene Oneguine is a classic of Russian literature, and its eponymous protagonist has served as the model for a number of Russian literary heroes (so-called superfluous men). It was published in serial form between 1825 and 1832. The first complete edition was published in 1833, and the currently accepted version is based on the 1837 publication.

Almost the entire work is made up of 389 stanzas of iambic tetrameter with the unusual rhyme scheme "AbAbCCddEffEgg", where the uppercase letters represent feminine rhymes while the lowercase letters represent masculine rhymes. This form has come to be known as the "Onegin stanza" or the "Pushkin sonnet." The rhythm, innovative rhyme scheme, the natural tone and diction, and the economical transparency of presentation all demonstrate the virtuosity which has been instrumental in proclaiming Pushkin as the undisputed master of Russian poetry.

The story is told by a narrator (a lightly fictionalized version of Pushkin's public image), whose tone is educated, worldly, and intimate. The narrator digresses at times, usually to expand on aspects of this social and intellectual world. This allows for a development of the characters and emphasizes the drama of the plot despite its relative simplicity. The book is admired for the artfulness of its verse narrative as well as for its exploration of life, death, love, ennui, convention and passion. (Introduction from Wikipedia) (4 hr 26 min)

Chapters

01 - Canto I - 'The Spleen' Part 1 17:32 Read by MaryAnn
02 - Canto I - 'The Spleen' Part 2 20:27 Read by MaryAnn
03 - Canto II - The Poet Part 1 14:21 Read by MaryAnn
04 - Canto II - The Poet Part 2 14:10 Read by MaryAnn
05 - Canto III - The Country Damsel Part 1 15:40 Read by MaryAnn
06 - Canto III - The Country Damsel Part 2 20:18 Read by MaryAnn
07 - Canto IV - The Rural Life Part 1 12:41 Read by MaryAnn
08 - Canto IV - The Rural Life Part 2 15:51 Read by MaryAnn
09 - Canto V - The Fete Part 1 16:06 Read by MaryAnn
10 - Canto V - The Fete Part 2 16:30 Read by MaryAnn
11 - Canto VI - The Duel Part 1 13:57 Read by MaryAnn
12 - Canto VI - The Duel Part 2 15:24 Read by MaryAnn
13 - Canto VII - Moscow Part 1 13:36 Read by MaryAnn
14 - Canto VII - Moscow Part 2 20:09 Read by MaryAnn
15 - Canto VIII - The Great World Part 1 14:29 Read by MaryAnn
16 - Canto VIII - The Great World Part 2 25:12 Read by MaryAnn

Reviews

Perfectly executed


(5 stars)

Her voice is lovely, and her melancholic tone perfectly conveys the meaning of the book, an audiobook that should be listened too!


(5 stars)

This was unlike anything I've read. Closest would be Byron, who was an influence, but very Russian. It was challenging to follow in a way but I find that's the case with poetry being read. It was well read and I was able to get into a groove with listening and following the very interesting and colorful story. Very cool narrative style as well.

The reader has a beautiful and melancholic voice which fits very


(4 stars)

The reader has a beautiful and melancholic voice which fits very well with the poem. My only complain is that it isn't complete. In the origimal there is also a 9th canta.

good


(5 stars)

A classic of Russian and the reader is amazing, professional level audio


(5 stars)

Wonderful rendition of this classic romantic tragedy. Thanks to MaryAnn

great


(5 stars)

the reader did a great job

Superb Reader, MaryAnn is an absolute treasure.


(5 stars)