The Brothers Karamazov (version 3)

A must read

(5 Sterne)

Compulsive Reader

I find it hard to believe that I am the first person to review this outstanding literary work. There clearly was meant to be a follow up, but sadly Mr. Dostoyevsky died before that came to pass. Mr. Pirie, the narrator, is one of the best I have listened to. Thanks to all that made this possible, JK.

You deserve to read this book

(5 Sterne)

J.M.

A book every person deserves to read especially those with a keen interest into the human condition and the reality of our existence. Dostoevsky brings to life in one story a saint and a devil, and offers his advice entirely on the ethics of the good life all within a 40 hour read. The recording was of the highest quality and never throughout the lengthy novel, wavered slightly in its impressive tone and cadence. This book has done wonders in my life and it is a wonder to see it so consumable and accessible. Dostoevsky’s genius is fully revealed in his ability to fully circumstances in the viewpoint of such radically different characters. In a moment he is able to capture the most impressive atheist argument and counter it most effectively with the words and life of a saint. It makes one think that both ideas must have lived inside of him at one point, the base and the holy ideal. In short he is a perfect Karamazov

A Must Read

(4 Sterne)

Nina

A most excellent work. The fundamental philosophical questions the author examines through the diverse personalities that constitute the Karamazov family, and the society in which they live, are the same ones that still plague men today. Bruce Pirie with his wonderful narration quite literally brings the book to life, and, listening to him, one can fancy themselves eye witnesses of the events that make up the book. The end was rather abrupt I found, but not disappointingly so. I’d have loved something like an epilogue to discover what became especially of Mitya and Ivan Karamazov, of Liz, of Kolya... Still this is by degrees one of the best classics I ever laid my hands on.

Excellent!

(5 Sterne)

GJF

I'm surprised this version has so few comments. I hope people listen to this one instead of the one with various volunteer readers. This version is wonderful, consistent, and is definitely alleviating the headache I got from trying to get through version 1.

What an interesting book, exploring human nature

(5 Sterne)

Margaret Davis

The three brothers are so different. Alyosha is the lovable hero, but when the author provides a wider description of the other two brothers, they draw you in to relate to them as well. These complex characters are what make this book so well-written. There’s not a clear good and bad man, and even some bad people, by the end, are partly acquitted. Dostoyevsky has such a unique way of switching between characters, first talking about this scene/event related to this person, then a different scene with a different character. Since Alyosha is the main character, I’m glad the book ended with him. Still, I’m so curious about the other two, Dmitri and Ivan!! Is Dmitri truly going to be imprisoned for 20 years? Or will he escape, as was hinted at? And Ivan, he was having such an internal battle about telling his secret…does it ever become accepted, especially by his brothers?? I’m so curious about his future. I guess the mystery is what leaves you impressed, but I’m also a bit annoyed at conclusions that don’t really conclude.

Deep insights in the human hearts. Excellent Reading!!!

(5 Sterne)

Marcel F.

This book gives you much to think through. I was especially struck by "the Inqisitor". To ponder about the many discussed topics and depicted lives gave me quite insight into my own heart revealed some sinful thinking and behaving. I also liked the depth of the dialogues! I just don't share some theolocigal conclusions, especially the final talk of Alyosha. I stick with Romans 3 here for diagnosis (and treatment) of the human heart. (as this diagnosis was in my opinion clearly depicted to be true in most of "The Brother Karamazow") The reader was the best one in English I heard so far on librivox!!! Amazing how the characters came into live - and that without much differences in the voice. Just clear, vivid reading. Excellent! For this I give the five stars despite the critic as regards content.

(4 Sterne)

Cecilia Kiiru

The Brothers Karamazov is a monumental novel; intellectually rich, emotionally exhausting, and deliberately unsettling. Dostoevsky explores faith, doubt, guilt, freedom, and responsibility with rare depth, giving us unforgettable characters like Ivan, Alyosha, and Mitya, each carrying a fragment of the human soul. Yet the novel is also deeply frustrating. After granting skepticism and reason their strongest voice, Dostoevsky ultimately leans heavily toward faith, allowing doubt to collapse rather than coexist. Justice feels incomplete, truth feels unheard, and resolution is intentionally denied. This one-sidedness can leave the reader disappointed - not because the book lacks brilliance, but because it refuses moral balance. Still, its power is undeniable. This is not a book that comforts or resolves; it interrogates. It doesn’t answer questions; it wounds you with them and walks away. A masterpiece, yes but a devastating one. Not everyone finishes it satisfied, but no one finishes it unchanged.

Great book and Narrator

(5 Sterne)

Jim

5/5 for The Brothers Karamzov 4.7/5 for Bruce Peirie Better reviews for the book exist online, for this specific recording: One chapter somewhere in the beginning that cuts of before the end. It doesn't happen anywhere else, but I spent a lot of time wondering if it would. There are no translations for when characters randomly switch to French or Latin. My written version has these but I don't know if other audio versions will. Other than that the reading was clear and easy to understand. Decent, but not excessive amount of emotion in the characters. One note about the book: The story is the least important part