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The Kreutzer Sonata
- Narrated by: Simon Prebble
- Length: 3 hrs and 30 mins
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Summary
One of the world’s greatest novelists, Leo Tolstoy was also the author of a number of superb short stories, one of his best known being “The Kreutzer Sonata.” This macabre story involves the murder of a wife by her husband. It is a penetrating study of jealousy as well as a piercing complaint about the way in which society educates men and women in matters of sex - a serious condemnation of the mores and attitudes of the wealthy, educated class.
Leo Tolstoy (1828–1910) was born in Russia. His parents, who died when he was young, were of noble birth. He served in the army in the Caucasus and Crimea, where he wrote his first stories. He is especially known for his masterpieces, War and Peace (1869) and Anna Karenina (1877).
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What listeners say about The Kreutzer Sonata
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- Amanda
- 20-03-22
Believable emotion
This is an observation on human relations in 1880's that probably were held until very recently in some countries and unfortunately is much similar to today in some cultures. The narrative includes believable emotions and consideration of internalised reasoning that are insightful but also disturbing.
A good performance, I could image this as a play.
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- Norma Miles
- 26-04-22
" An imperceptible smile."
Tolstoy is so brilliant a writer, I wondered why I had never before found his short stories. Mmm, now I think I know. The Kreutzer Sonata is, indeed, well crafted but disturbingly twisted as a man on a long train journey confesses his obsession with, and murder of his wife, the mother of his children. And is released after the killing is determined to be one of passion.
The excellent writing only further enhanced this reader's emotional repugnance, especially given that the narrator was the also excellent Simon Prebble, who further enhanced the text with his low key performance.
Not a book who's content I would recommend, impartial though it is.
I downloaded a complementary copy of The Kreutzer Sonata as part of the Audible + programme. Thank you, Audible.
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- S.D
- 15-01-23
Satisfactory story, entertaining but not particularly impactful or life changing
Perhaps I did not grasp the story all too well, but I was not obsessed with the story. The characters are very shallow and not developed well, and I didn’t find the story disturbing either. It was entertaining about half way through and that is why I rated it 3 stars.
The performance by the voice actor was great, and I did enjoy listening to him.
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- Seayeaitch
- 09-05-22
Superb Tolstoy at his best!
Simon Prebble provides an excellent narration, the pace is perfect allowing the listener to sit in on the conversation is almost surreal. Tolstoy has the Nate ability to observe and record conversations and surroundings and present them like no other writer.
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1 person found this helpful
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- LC
- 05-01-22
Outstanding
Another outstanding book by Leo Tolstoy. There is a lot packed into this short book, making for an intensive read/listen. Very well read by the narrator.
Really interesting to hear the ideas and views of the murderer so clearly articulated.
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- Lina
- 01-04-22
Sublime!
Very thought provoking and moving, and the performance of the reader is truly captivating. Thank you!
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2 people found this helpful
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- Pamela
- 22-12-21
Deeply Disturbing!
This is not the Tolstoy of Anna Karenina or War and Peace and I think it is important that someone is aware of this, before embarking on reading/listening to it. It is a creepy and unpleasant story. Putting aside the preposterous plot, the tone of this book is disconcertingly bitter and anguished, psychotic, egotistical, and ignorant concerning female sexuality.
It is a disturbing read. The story is a confession of a man whose suspicions and jealousy lead him to carry out a heinous crime, the murder of his wife. There appear to be similarities with Tolstoy's personal life, Tolstoy was very jealous of a musician friend of his wife with whom she played.
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3 people found this helpful
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- Joshua
- 13-08-21
Brilliant performance
Title says it all. Fully embodies characters emotions at every step, word count sucks.
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- Katy Pepper
- 19-12-21
Amazing
The reading was brilliant. The book was amazing, describing jealousy so very accurately. It will stay with me for a long time
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- Mr Tea-Mole
- 23-11-22
Riveting performance
Good short book, though mostly a monologue of a single character. Stunning narration especially towards the end where Simon Prebble really brings it to life. Intense psychological insights into lust, jealousy, marriage and the illusion of love. Quite macabre and cynical at times but based on a penetrating grasp of human nature. Not for the faint hearted but useful for anyone who wants to explore the attraction and mystery of the sexes.
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