Oblomov

By: Ivan Goncharov, C. J. Hogarth

Narrated by: Stefan Rudnicki

Length: 6 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's summary

This novel centers on the figure of Ilya Ilyich Oblomov, a member of the dying class of the landed gentry, who spends most of his time lying in bed gazing at life in an apathetic daze, encouraged by his equally lazy servant Zakhar and routinely swindled by his acquaintances. But this torpid existence comes to an end when, spurred on by his crumbling finances, the love of a woman, and the reproaches of his friend, the hardworking Schtoltz, Oblomov finds that he must engage with the real world and face up to his commitments.

©2019 Ivan Goncharov and C. J. Hogarth (P)2019 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

When ennui strikes

The eponymous character suffers under the weight of chronic ennui. But this is more a tale about the times than of the man. In particular a 19th century Russian mindset (an extended dream scene of Oblomov's as a child is brilliant). Stefan Rudnicki as narrator was an obvious if overused choice.

Good reading, great book - imperfect translation

A very nice reading of a book that has long needed a good (English) audiobook version. A shame, though, that it is the out-of-copyright Hogarth translation that is used, as it is not the best version available and is significantly truncated from the original text.

modern neets the book

I don't have much to say about the story but the way it depicts a man who was born into comfort and raised without worry which goes into adulthood is very accurate

Narrator fail

The narrators voice is so weirdly throaty you can barely hear his pronunciation, unfortunately the recording artist performance sort of ruins it. I had her read most of it. Otherwise have the potential to be an interesting story

A Great Classic

What makes a classic great? In my estimation they elucidate life, living and contemplation upon the roads offered, taken and not. This novel previously unheard of by me, illuminated my soul with recognition. To sound not so lofty, lol, very satisfying, I really enjoyed it

Abridged

Compared it to the Penguin translation, you’re losing about 30% of the book, including several of the more interesting side characters and important interactions.
If the book said it was abridged, that would be fine. But, it doesn’t.

Good reading of abridged translation.

This is a well read rendition of the 1915 translation by C. J. Hogarth. This translation was severely abridged by Hogarth; the word "Unabridged" on the cover art of this audiobook refers to the *reading*, not the work. I view that as deceptive.

That said, if you don't feel like listening to the 22 hours of the full version, this is a reasonable substitute, with one more caveat: the Wikipedia entry on Hogarth says, "His 1915 translation of Goncharov's Oblomov 'sounds very British and contains inaccuracies'." (Even more severe criticism is leveled again his translation of Gogol's Dead Souls.)

Charming tale of idleness!

A wonderful classic I’ve been hoping would be released on audible in English. I had read the novel years ago and greatly enjoyed the narration.

A tale of Elegant sloth

Great reading of a short Russian novel about several Americans I know. O. Retired early. A cautionary tale.

A tale of apathy

The story of a man who is stuck in his ways and unable to motivate himself to improve his life, he struggles to get out of the morass but always fails.