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The Cossacks  By  cover art

The Cossacks

By: Leo Tolstoy
Narrated by: Walter Zimmerman
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Editorial reviews

Juxtaposing simple life with urban sophistication, The Cossacks is Tolstoy's thoughtful depiction of Cossack society in the 19th century. Originally written by Tolstoy to pay off a gambling debt, this 1982 recording by audiobook performer Walter Zimmerman convincingly captures Russian nobleman Dmitri Olenin's naïve striving to understand life among simpler folk. Though the recording shows its age, Zimmerman's spirited delivery more than compensates for the thin audio. Stirring and thought-provoking, The Cossacks remains a compelling study of individuality and cultural identity.

Publisher's summary

The Cossacks is one of the finest depictions of Cossack society in Russian literature. Against that primitive background, Tolstoy examines two psychological problems. The first is that of a young man who wants to love and wants to fit into society. The other is that of the difficulty of a primitive society in accepting the domination of a higher culture. This is a brilliant exploration of the themes of individuality and social identity.
Public Domain (P)1982 Jimcin Recordings

What listeners say about The Cossacks

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Surprisingly disappointing

Any additional comments?

War and Peace is certainly in the top 5 of books I've loved and have inspired me so I was very surprised that I just couldn't get into this book. I tried two narrators and both were terrible! At some point I may try it in print because the narrators were so bad.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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There's something about Tolstoy

There's something about Tolstoy's writing that makes it feel relatable even though we're separated by over a century and a vastly different culture. I think it's that he develops many unique yet completely believable characters, after awhile you feel like you belong in this camp of cossacks in the steps after traveling from your home city. AUDIBLE 20 REVIEW SWEEPSTAKES ENTRY

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