And Quiet Flows the Don

By: Mikhail Aleksandrovich Sholokhov

Narrated by: Stefan Rudnicki

Mikhail Sholokhov’s groundbreaking epic novel gives a sweeping depiction of Russian life and culture in the early 20th century. In the same vein as War and Peace, by Leo Tolstoy, And Quiet Flows the Don gives listeners a glimpse into many aspects of Russian culture, and the choices a country makes when faced with war and destruction.

Public Domain (P)2019 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

moving

don't know why it is hard,to get all 4 parts. however, it is a good read even with only 1/4 of the story available. the narration was excellent. .

Nuanced insight into Russia circa 1910

Read this one summer in college and was surprised by how much I had recalled and how much I had forgotten about the brutality of war.

A Beautiful Story

I'll confess that Quiet Flows the Don (along with the second part, the Don Flows Home to the Sea) is my favorite novel. I've read it in both Russian and English, and I consider it the finest novel ever written. That disclaimer aside, I eagerly pre-ordered the audio version as soon as I saw it would be available, and then counted down the weeks until its release. Stefan Rudnicki does justice to the story, and listening to it was a true pleasure. His performance is certainly commendable. It can be a tricky book, with many different characters and shifting viewpoints, so having a skilled narrator is a must. Rudnicki did not disappoint. If you enjoy Russian literature, tales of forbidden love, or sweeping epics, then this is the book for you. Also, check out the 14 part 2015 television adaptation of the novel after you listen to it. You won't be sorry.

and quiet flows the Don

Very good picture of the Russian life at the beginning of the century. Not Dostoevskiy or Faulkner, but is good overall.

A Russian Novel Not To Be Missed

A beautiful if tragic tale, Sholokhov gives the reader not only a love story but a window into Cossack history at the turn of the century. He reveals all the social and political changes that are about to be set loose in Russia while telling the story of one particular Cossack family. Stefan Rudnicki does a brilliant job as narrator bringing the characters to life. A book not easily forgotten.