Tolstoy: The Death of Ivan Ilyich & Master and Man

By: Leo Tolstoy

Narrated by: Simon Vance

In these two famous short novels, Leo Tolstoy takes listeners to the brink of despair. At the end of life, worldly ambition offers no consolation for the spiritually empty soul. But Tolstoy is the master of themes of redemption. He turns his morbid topic into hope, leading toward spiritual awakening. Tolstoy offers his readers a lifetime of perspective on a most human subject, death.

Tolstoy's The Death of Ivan Ilyich is a small book with singular depth of insight. The book was published in 1886, breaking a nine-year literary silence after the publication of Anna Karenina. It is considered to be one of the great explorations of death and dying in all of Western Literature. No author in so few words summons so many emotions into the reader's soul. This masterpiece is here paired with another Tolstoy short novel, Master and Man, which too examines the human response to mortality. Together these two stories will ultimately offer encouragement to the spiritually hungry.

Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910) is considered by many to be the greatest novelist in Western Literature. Several classic novels belong to his pen including War and Peace and Anna Karenina. In addition he wrote many short novels, including The Death of Ivan Illyich.

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Simon Vance reads Tolstoy’s MASTER AND MAN

This is the most beautiful reading of Tolstoy’s masterpiece I have ever experienced, in English or in Russian. Not only does Simon Vance pronounce Russian names and words correctly (rare for English-language readers) but he is himself permeated by respect for Tolstoy’s message and cadence. Very grateful!

Perfect blend of material and performer...

I have always loved Ivan Ilyich, but Mr. Vance's narration actually moved me to tears.

best Narration

This narration was one of the best I have ever heard. I am going to now look up what other books he has narrated and get them because of Simon Vance. Really incredible job. Five starts for him. Four stars for the book because it was a little depressing.

Tolstoy is intriguing!

If you could sum up Tolstoy in three words, what would they be?

Human Character Revealed

Would you be willing to try another book from Leo Tolstoy? Why or why not?

I would read anything written by Leo Tolstoy!

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

Articulate and Well Spoken

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

A feeling of understanding - Tolstoy's statement is not always complimentary to his protagonist moral judgement.

Any additional comments?

Be the one who rises above in all situations!

Wow!

I guess it should come as no surprise that Tolstoy is awesome? Both these stories are amazing and moving and human and wow. First thing I've even read/listened of Tolstoy, I think I need to check out some more.