Crime and Punishment (Recorded Books Edition)

By: Fyodor Dostoevsky, Constance Garnett - translator

Narrated by: George Guidall

Length: 25 hrs and 1 min

Publisher's summary

Fyodor Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment is universally regarded as one of literature's finest achievements, as the great Russian novelist explores the inner workings of a troubled intellectual. Raskolnikov, a nihilistic young man in the midst of a spiritual crisis, makes the fateful decision to murder a cruel pawnbroker, justifying his actions by relying on science and reason, and creating his own morality system. Dehumanized yet sympathetic, exhausted yet hopeful, Raskolnikov represents the best and worst elements of modern intellectualism. The aftermath of his crime and Petrovich's murder investigation result in an utterly compelling, truly unforgettable cat-and-mouse game. This stunning dramatization of Dostoevsky's magnum opus brings the slums of St. Petersburg and the demons of Raskolnikov's tortured mind vividly to life.

Translation by Constance Garnett, originally published in 1917.

Public Domain (P)1991 by Recorded Books, Inc.

Critic reviews

"The novels of Dostoevsky are seething whirlpools...which hiss and boil and suck us in. They are composed purely and wholly of the stuff of the soul." (Virginia Woolf)

Great Classic.

Not only insights into the mind of a criminal but also into Russian poverty during the period and poverty in general and the reality of it.

Fantastic through and through

The compelling story and masterful reading made the 25 hours pass like nothing at all.

Masterpiece.

The book is fantastic. No doubt it ranks among the best. But the narrator...My god, he gives life to each and every character....he is crime and punishment..

Must have on your library

I wish there were more stars to give

If you could sum up Crime and Punishment in three words, what would they be?

Truly disturbing journey.

Which scene was your favorite?

My favorite scene was when Dounia put Lucian in his place at the dinner with the family, when the engagement ended officially. I laughed and cheered, I love her spirit!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

This book made me laugh, cry and squirm in my chair at being witness to this man unraveling before me. It was hard to listen to at times, purely because the author did such an exquisite job bringing the characters to life. It is so surprising to me that this book was written so long ago. Dostoyevsky writes in a way that time cannot age.

Any additional comments?

I don't know how I will listen to another book if it is not read by this same narrator. Incredible seems too bland a word to describe his telling of this story. I loved his voice and the feeling he put into all the characters. His subtle but distinct voice changes for each character made it easy to distinguish them from each other and focus on the story.

Great sotray and very well read!!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. It's an interesting story with philosophic richdom.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Crime and Punishment (Recorded Books Edition)?

There are many strong moments

What does George Guidall bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He is a very good speaker - with a clear deep voice. Great intonation. I found this extremely well read - taking the time to do this and letting the story live.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

On some moments - it gets quite depressing.

Great book, and formidable narration

What did you love best about Crime and Punishment (Recorded Books Edition)?

Dostoyevsky does a great job. Showing the drama of the soul that has committed a murder and how he can only find peace in the suffering for love. The author moves from analytical material and psychological portray to the spiritual underlying conflict for the salvation. George Guidall make a great job, patient and skillfully builds every character and captures in his voices, moods and atmospheres. I strongly recommend this audiobook.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Marmeladov was specially apealling to me. His part in the second chapter is one the greatest presentations of the mysteries of the way the Lord apply his merci in order to save those awfully lost poor souls. Marmeladov is the modern Good Robber, that beside Jesus, finds the heaven for admitting his misery. The entire book, is full of characters but Marmeladov stroke my fancy!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No. I prefer the original and long versions.

take that, dyslexia.

The narrator made it so much more enjoyable and comprehendible. Very easy to submerse yourself in the tale and grasp the magic of Dostoevsky.

When a Master writes

I was skeptical at first for the style and story and sooner then later I simply did not want it to end.

Enjoy the ride and praise the great

Pick this one

I compared all the narrators and George Guidall seemed like the best in the samples. I listened to the whole story and he is excellent.
A powerful story. All should read. When ready.

Guidall brings it to life

How do you make a twenty-five hour book pass in no time? Have George Guidall read it.

He takes the book at a stately pace that is easy to follow by ear. Fantastic range of voices for the characters, from the high strung Raskolnikov to the rough and earthy tones of Svedrigailov.

Marvelous story too.

Also, I checked with a friend who teaches Russian literature in a college, and he says that the Garnett translation is serviceable. Not as good as the one with Richard Pevear, but one could do a lot worse.