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The Overcoat  By  cover art

The Overcoat

By: Nikolai Gogol
Narrated by: Walter Zimmerman
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Editorial reviews

Nikolai Gogol's "The Overcoat", first published in 1842, remains to this day one of the most influential works of Russian literature ever to be written. This renowned short story follows protagonist Akaky Akakievich on a tragicomic quest first for a new and very fine overcoat, and later, for a revenge of sorts after misfortune befalls this poor clerk and his beautiful coat.

Actor Walter Zimmerman has a particularly sharp and interesting style of narration, and a very strong ear for tone, resulting in an especially subtle and nuanced performance of this classic piece.

Publisher's summary

The writer who did most to establish prose as a force in Russian literary culture was Nikolai Gogol. Gogol's example combined with the pronouncements of the literary critics of the period, established prose as the literary medium of the future. Fyodor Dostoevsky is supposed to have said, referring to himself and his fellow Realists, "We have all come out from under Gogol's 'Overcoat'".
Public Domain (P)1981 Jimcin Co.

Critic reviews

"This story (The Overcoat), one of Gogol's most famous is skillfully narrated to reflect the author's frustration with civil service and the plight of the poor, and will evoke an emotional response among listeners." (Booklist)

What listeners say about The Overcoat

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Wow.

How much of the future of Russian history did that story contain?? Deep. Profound. Sad. Humorous. Rather painful. This story is a masterpiece.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

theres an eco...eco

Would you listen to The Overcoat again? Why?

It's good but once you've listed you know it.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Walter Zimmerman?

His voice was nice, but the eco was distracting.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Good Story but bad deal

If you like short fiction, you might try "Great French and Russian Short Stories, Volume 1", which has THE OVERCOAT and many other stories (over 9 hrs in all) for not much more than you'd pay for this 1 hour story, especially if you're a Premium Listener.

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26 people found this helpful