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The Death of Ivan Ilyich

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The Death of Ivan Ilyich

By: Leo Tolstoy
Narrated by: George Guidall
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Leo Tolstoy is quite simply one of the greatest writers to ever set pen to paper. Immortalized by such epic novels as War and Peace and Anna Karenina, Tolstoy's genius was also readily apparent in his short fiction. The Death of Ivan Ilych, first published in 1886, follows the career of the unremarkable title character, who does not question his desire to live an "easy, agreeable, gay and always decorous" life, until he is lying on his death bed.

Translation © 2003 by Ann Pasternak Slater.

Public Domain (P)2007 Recorded Books Classics Russia Linguistics
Profound Story • Deep Exploration • Perfect Pronunciation • Interesting Character Study • Masterful Writing

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I only recently learned of Tolstoy’s story. I did not know what to expect and was glad to hear the satire. It softened the blow not of death but of the unexamined and loveless life.

Unexpected humor

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It took me a moment to embrace the readers accent. So I listened to it all a second time.

It felt so contemporary. It is a timeless story.

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Would you listen to The Death of Ivan Ilyich again? Why?

I've already listened to it twice. Of course, the book itself is wonderful, but Mr Guidall's narration is truly a performance. He handles the difficult Russian names with grace (and perfect pronunciation) and does a tremendous job of giving each character a distinct, recognizable voice.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Ivan himself -- such an interesting study of the end of a life.

Great Listening Experience!

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It vividly describes the pain experienced by a terminally ill man on his deathbed. I felt the author portrayed Illyich as a sincere man.

Well written and sincere

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One of my favorite works by Tolstoy. This is required reading in Medical School, and for good reason!

Timeless wisdom!

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