The depth, complexity, and length of what many consider to be Dostoyevski's best work make it one of the hardest classic novels to bring to audio. The philosophical novel/murder mystery set in 19th-century Russia requires a strong and versatile narrator to keep listeners going for the day-and-a-half-plus duration. Thankfully, narrator Constantine Gregory masters the challenge. In doing so, he manages the omniscient third-person narration by using a pleasant mellifluous tone that invites the listener to relax and approach the text patiently and carefully. The novel also features first-person voices from the large cast of characters, such as Father Zosima, who, naturally enough, argues for the existence of a higher power-and Gregory is able to imbue those sections with enough individuality to make them as distinct as the author intended. (July) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

Constantine Gregory lends his prodigious voice to this audio version of Dostoyevsky's epic existential tale of familial greed, betrayal, and passion. Considered by many to be the culmination and truest representation of the author's ruminations on the nature of religion, death, spirituality, and humanity, The Brothers Karamazov is expertly conveyed by Gregory, who embodies the dramatic nature of both the plot and the disparate characters. Gregory voices each character-from the manic and scheming father Fyodor to his youngest son, the gentle and tolerant Alexey-with the complexity the author ascribed to each player in his novel. verdict Dostoyevsky's meticulous attention to detail and capacious exploration of philosophical themes requires a commitment from the listener-this is not a text digested in an afternoon; nonetheless, this audiobook is strongly recommended.-Christopher Rager, Oakland, CA (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.