War and Peace, Volume 1

By: Leo Tolstoy

Narrated by: Neville Jason

Length: 30 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's summary

War and Peace is one of the greatest monuments in world literature. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars, it examines the relationship between the individual and the relentless march of history. Here are the universal themes of love and hate, ambition and despair, youth and age, expressed with a swirling vitality which makes the book as accessible today as it was when it was first published in 1869.

In addition it is, famously, one of the longest books in Western literature and therefore a remarkable challenge for any reader. Neville Jason read the abridged version of War and Peace and proved his marathon powers with his outstanding performance of Proust's Remembrance of Things Past. These make him the ideal narrator to essay Tolstoy's epic.

War and Peace was translated by Louise and Aylmer Maude.

© and (P) Naxos Rights International

Critic reviews

"War and Peace presents us with a complete picture of human life; a complete picture of the Russia of those days; a complete historic picture of the struggle of nations; and a complete picture of the things in which men set their happiness and greatness, their sorrow and their shame." (A.V. Knowles, Tolstoy: The Critical Heritage)
"There remains the greatest of all novelists - for what else can we call the author of War and Peace?" (Virginia Woolf)

Gripping and amazingly narrated!

What did you love best about War and Peace, Volume 1?

I have tried to read W&P multiple times and always peter out on Volume 2. Listening to it, Neville Jason's excellent narration carried me through (although I must admit I still find Volume 2 rather boring). Every character has a different, nuanced voice and I was soon lost in the story and among the characters.

What was one of the most memorable moments of War and Peace, Volume 1?

Natasha's episode in Moscow towards the end. I don't know how Tolstoy so well captured the minds and emotions of an adolescent girl, but it was very authentic.

Which character – as performed by Neville Jason – was your favorite?

Maria Dmitrievna, definitely.

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

It's full of emotional moments with characters you get to know exquisitely well.

WOW! Best piece of Western literature.

If you could sum up War and Peace, Volume 1 in three words, what would they be?

Tolstoy knows the human condition and heart!

What was one of the most memorable moments of War and Peace, Volume 1?

When Anatole Kuragin nearly abducted Natasha...OMG!!

Which character – as performed by Neville Jason – was your favorite?

Nicolai Rostov

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

There are so many...truly. The accounts of the battles are so real you feel as though you are there.

Any additional comments?

Only so sorry I waited so long to read this epic classic. It's truly life changing.

Extraordinary

A lively, animated reading that brought the profound drama of this great classic to life.

Worth The Time

While it is a struggle to complete the 60+ hours in this first volume, this is a compelling book. The narration is not perfect but it is the best I have found. This is probably the easiest way to complete this mammoth work.

Perfect

Amazing. So much detail into the thoughts, feelings, what is said, what is not said, intentions, interactions, expressions, body language; comming of age, dissapointments, growing, learning, virtue, vice, scheming, love, forgiveness, desire, so much more. This is a book about life. This is why I love the classics. An excellent narration as well. Perfect score.

War and peace narrated by Neville Jason

A masterpiece must be displayed correctly so as to to bring forth its full splendor. This allows the viewer the deep experiencing necessary to brings art to life. Neville Jason's narration gives Tolstoy such a display. His intelligence and emotional depth bring War and Piece to life and reveal its timelessness and beauty.

Narrative was brilliant!

A tough slog to read, listening to this fabulous narration helps to keep the difficult names in order.

Great performance of a great book

Any additional comments?

I have listened to Volumes 1 and 2 twice already in the last year, and I will continue to listen again and again. The performer disappears from the narration. His mastery is such that you forget that he exists and are totally absorbed by the story and characters.

My favorite character was Pierre--no, Natasha. No, wait, Kutuzov. Or maybe that country uncle of Natasha's. Pierre has a pure heart, but human failings. Natasha is not afraid to really love someone--and then if that person turns out to be a cad or dies, to love someone else. That country uncle really knows how to live! And Kutuzov? If you aren't moved by his reaction when he learns that the French are fleeing Russia, check your pulse.

This book moves me over and over again. Nobody soars like Tolstoy. This is the most thrilling audible experience out there. Here are a few of the many exceptionally moving scenes: Andrei's near death experience at Austerlitz. The battle of Borodino. Pierre finally declares his love for Natasha, the death of Platov. But for shear, lyrical power, I'll take any of several scenes of the Rostov's in the country--the hunting scene that ends with Natasha spends an evening with the old uncle, the sleigh ride with Sonia and Nickolai, the mummery visits to the neighbors. There is no book like this for its power to move me and the performance is as good as it gets.

A Winner

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

I highly recommend this audiobook because of the narrator. Although I prefer Peavar and Volokhonsky's translation of War and Peace, Neville Jason reads so brilliantly that his narration takes precedence over the translation. Don't miss this opportunity to enjoy rich Russian literature at its best on audiobook.

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

Neville Jason brings life to the characters far better than I could have done reading on my own.

Outstanding!

What made the experience of listening to War and Peace, Volume 1 the most enjoyable?

Neville Jason does a fantastic job narrating this book. Easily the best audiobook I have listened to.