Anna Karenina

De: Leo Tolstoy

Narrado por: Maggie Gyllenhaal

Winner: Audible's Best of 2016 - Classic

"Anna Karenina is one of my favorite books. But when I agreed to read it for Audible, I had no idea how much work it would be, how intense it would be, and how deeply I would fall in love with it. There were places where I thought 'if I don't give Alexey Alexandrovitch the respect that he deserves in my reading of this scene, a critical part of the book will be ruined. If I don't give EVERYONE the utmost respect and understanding, I'm not doing justice to this brilliantly compassionate book.' But at the same time, I also wanted to have a light touch in the way I played the different characters, so that the magnificence of the novel could shine through. I feel like performing this novel is one of the major accomplishments of my work life - it was so challenging and so deep, a real pleasure." (Narrator Maggie Gyllenhaal)

Leo Tolstoy's classic story of doomed love is one of the most admired novels in world literature. Generations of readers have been enthralled by his magnificent heroine, the unhappily married Anna Karenina, and her tragic affair with dashing Count Vronsky. Maggie Gyllenhaal (The Dark Knight, The Honourable Woman) cites Tolstoy's epic as one of her favorite books of all time, and her love for the literature permeates her performance. Anna Karenina is a masterpiece not only because of the unforgettable woman at its core and the stark drama of her fate but also because it explores and illuminates the deepest questions about how to live a fulfilled life.

Public Domain (P)2016 Audible, Inc.

Simply divine

The best narration I've heard. Masterful capturing of the essence of each character. Bravo, bravo.

A brilliant, sweeping review of aristocratic Russian life.

Tolstoy has strong opinions. His opinions about his main characters are clear. Sometimes I'm not sure he is correct. But someone who expresses himself so beautifully cannot be too off base. His observations on Russian life felt just as relevant in 21st century America. His passages on philosophy, physical exercise, nature, meaning, suicide, birth, death, family relations, so much of it will haunt me for years to come.

You get a lot for the price

If you're looking for a long read to get the most bang for your buck, this is a good choice. Be warned this book is long and rather tedious.

Maggie Gyllenhaal Is Wonderful

Listening to her perform this masterpiece was very enjoyable! Loved her voice, how she told the story.... she made the story come alive!!

Need a more sophisticated, cultivated reader

Read in an almost confessional tone for no reason, and peppered with excruciating pronunciation mistakes even in English.

Not the right narrator

Maggie Gyllenhaal is a great actress but not the best narrator. Sometimes she rushes through paragraphs, and it’s hard to tell when she changes from one character to the other. I imagined someone like Edoardo Bellarini narrating this masterpiece. I love this book but there is much to be desired with the narration.

Unbelievably beautiful performance of a master work of literature and philosophy

Tolstoy stands at the top of literature and this performance does justice to this profoundly meaningful work. Bravo! Highly recommended .

Excellent character writing

Tolstoy has a way of giving what is in my opinion exceedingly dull subject matter a great deal of color with his extraordinary prose. This was my first exposure to his work and I'll definitely be reading more. Most impressive is the depth that he gives to each one of his characters individually, weaving something I can relate to into every one of these characters who, by the end of this long story I feel like I know personally

Surprisingly relevant

Classics are such for a reason. Although fairly philosophical and tangential, the story is compelling and vivid. Gyllenhaal's voice adds a great deal to the listening experience.

Extraordinarily Delicious

Maggie Gyllenhaal brought each character to life and clarity to the words. Had I dared to read to this Novel, I'd would be absolutely lost.