The Death of Ivan Ilyich

De: Leo Tolstoy

Narrado por: George Guidall

Leo Tolstoy is quite simply one of the greatest writers to ever set pen to paper. Immortalized by such epic novels as War and Peace and Anna Karenina, Tolstoy's genius was also readily apparent in his short fiction. The Death of Ivan Ilych, first published in 1886, follows the career of the unremarkable title character, who does not question his desire to live an "easy, agreeable, gay and always decorous" life, until he is lying on his death bed.

Translation © 2003 by Ann Pasternak Slater.

Public Domain (P)2007 Recorded Books

Timeless wisdom!

One of my favorite works by Tolstoy. This is required reading in Medical School, and for good reason!

Life and Death, Despair and Hope

I don’t want to give too much away but this short story is deep and asks the most important question: what is life all about? That is the question that most people do not stop to ask because they are too busy and distracted to slow down and consider… but it’s best to settle it while there is still time— Ivan had to struggle with it as his illness progressed & death was imminent. Read and find out his ultimate answer.

Evocative and gripping

Loved the performance! Transformed the grim theater of Ivan’s last moments into a cathartic experience

Brilliant narration of a brilliant story

No complaints at all. The narrator does a wonderful performance of a short but profound story from a master author. 100% recommended!

Great Listening Experience!

Would you listen to The Death of Ivan Ilyich again? Why?

I've already listened to it twice. Of course, the book itself is wonderful, but Mr Guidall's narration is truly a performance. He handles the difficult Russian names with grace (and perfect pronunciation) and does a tremendous job of giving each character a distinct, recognizable voice.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Ivan himself -- such an interesting study of the end of a life.

Well written and sincere

It vividly describes the pain experienced by a terminally ill man on his deathbed. I felt the author portrayed Illyich as a sincere man.

What a great story!!!

What a great couple of hours! enjoyed every minute of it. The best Narration too. worth a credit for sure! don't miss out!!!

A Tale That Hits Too Close To Home

The book depicts an accurate representation of one’s fear and denial of death. The bitterness one can feel seeing everyone else so healthy. How one longs to go back to simpler times when there wasn’t pain that wracks their body, to wanting the love they received as a child near the end. The narrator did a wonderful job depicting such emotions.

Some Things are Better on the Page

The problem and the reason for one star is not with the book nor with the excellent reading. I just did not find this book fulfilling in the audio edition. I have tried to figure out why and have concluded that some literature is best left on the page (for me at least). I enjoy the classics and enjoy seeing the prose - I suppose. I may try an audio version of Swann's Way to test this theory, but it was written for the page and I enjoy it in that form. I do willingly listen to the New and Old Testaments without the same effect.

Anyone interested in Tolstoy, do not be discouraged from listening to this classic or another. The audio vertsion was just not suited to my frame of mind I suppose.