The Brothers Karamazov

Penguin Classics

By: Fyodor Dostoyevsky, David McDuff - translator

Narrated by: Luke Thompson

Brought to you by Penguin.

This Penguin Classic is performed by Luke Thompson, best known for his role in the hit Netflix drama Bridgerton. This definitive recording includes an introduction by David McDuff.

The murder of brutal landowner Fyodor Karamazov changes the lives of his sons irrevocably: Mitya, the sensualist, whose bitter rivalry with his father immediately places him under suspicion for parricide; Ivan, the intellectual, driven to breakdown; the spiritual Alyosha, who tries to heal the family's rifts; and the shadowy figure of their bastard half-brother, Smerdyakov. Dostoyevsky's dark masterwork evokes a world where the lines between innocence and corruption, good and evil, blur and everyone's faith in humanity is tested.

Translated with an introduction and notes by David McDuff.

©2003 David McDuff (P)2021 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"The most magnificent novel ever written." (Sigmund Freud)

Just 'WOW'; Fantastic translation and narration!

This was a novel that took me years to get through. But once I found the right translation and audio book, I was able to not only plow through this novel with quick assertion, but I enjoyed it to a level I didn't think would be possible.
Much thanks to All Involved! Just WOW!

Brilliant Performance

I expected the book to be astounding, else why would we still be reading it a century and a half after it’s publication, and it was utterly magnificent. A work of genius. What I didn’t expect and was delighted to discover was Luke Thompson’s masterful performance. His delivery of Dostoyevsky’s labyrinthine prose is captivating and his distinct portrayal of every character is utterly believable. His reading sweeps you into the story and holds you there for the entire telling, even during the lengthy philosophical detours. It was a pleasure worth far more than the one credit I paid. Bravo Luke Thompson!

Absolutely Worth It

I have picked up and put down unfinished the Brothers Karamazov multiple times in my life. This audiobook version is the only reason I (finally) finished it. Together, Luke Thompson's voice and David McDuff's translation, have turned this into something magical. I finally get that this novel is to be savored rather than consumed. Cannot recommend it enough!

Amazing book and excellent performance

I’m new to Russian literature. Now I see what the big deal is. This journey is so worth the time. Nothing gratuitous. Every rabbit trail informing the overall story. Love, love, love.

Oh, the toils of man!

Very dramatic! I can't wait to reread this story in about fifteen years or so!