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Title: Crime and Punishment [Russian Edition]

Author: Fyodor Dostoyevsky

Narrator: Chulpan Khamatova, Sergey Chonishvili

Format: Original Recording

Length: 4 hrs and 57 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-17-15

Publisher: Interactive Media

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 11 votes

Genres: Classics, European Literature

Publisher's Summary:

Raskolnikov, a conflicted former student, lives in a tiny, rented room in Saint Petersburg. He refuses all help, even from his friend Razumikhin, and devises a plan to murder and to rob an unpleasant elderly pawn broker and money lender, Alyona Ivanovna.

His motivation comes from the overwhelming sense that he is predetermined to kill the old woman by some power outside of himself.

An Audio play based on Dostoyevsky's highly acclaimed, psychologically challenging work. Narrated in Russian by Chulpan Khamatova, Sergey Chonishvili and others.

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Titre: Terre des hommes

Auteur: Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Narrateur: Marie-Christine Barrault

Format: Unabridged

Durée: 5 hrs and 6 mins

Langue: Français

Date de publication: 05-27-15

Éditeur: Gallimard

Evaluation: 4.5 sur 5 sur 7 votes

Genres: Classics, European Literature

Résumé de l'éditeur:

"Nous habitons une planète errante." Saint-Exupéry, qui vient d'être nommé pilote de ligne, découvre, admire, médite notre planète. Assurant désormais le courrier entre Toulouse et Dakar, il hérite d'une vaste responsabilité à l'égard des hommes, mais surtout de lui-même et de son rapport au monde. Tout en goûtant "la pulpe amère des nuits de vol", il apprend à habiter la planète et la condition d'homme, lit son chemin intérieur à travers les astres. En plus du langage universel, il jouit aussi chaque jour de la fraternité qui le lie à ses camarades du ciel. Il rend hommage à Mermoz ou à Guillaumet, à qui est dédicacé le roman, et dont il rappelle les célèbres paroles : "Ce que j'ai fait, je le jure, jamais aucune bête ne l'aurait fait."

©1939 Éditions Gallimard (P)2008 Éditions Gallimard

Avis des membres:

Le mythe du hero

Epoque ou les valeurs de lhomme étaient en rapport avec les autres français ou européens. Ou lhomme et le patriotisme et le travail et lhéroïsme étaient toutes vertus confondues. Mourir pour le courrier? On imagine pourtant que les dates darrivée de ces correspondances pouvaient être décalées de quelques jours en cas de mauvais temps, mais il fallait faire mieux que les autres, une compétition infernale. Exupery suggère quil cherchait la vie derrière le danger, il aurait pu être alpiniste, mais tout ceci suggère plutôt une fascination morbide pour le monde.

La lectrice ressemble à une grand mère lisant un conte de fées à de gentilles petites filles avant le goûter.

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Titre: L'Étranger

Auteur: Albert Camus

Narrateur: Michael Lonsdale

Format: Unabridged

Durée: 3 hrs and 27 mins

Langue: Français

Date de publication: 05-22-15

Éditeur: Gallimard

Evaluation: 4.5 sur 5 sur 94 votes

Genres: Classics, European Literature

Résumé de l'éditeur:

"18 juillet. Hier à midi, sur la plage de Tipaza, un employé de bureau dénommé Meursault, demeurant rue Bab-Azoun à Alger, a tué de cinq balles de revolver un Arabe non encore identifié. Les motifs du crime restent inconnus. Arrêté, Meursault a été transféré à la prison d'Alger." Jugé, reconnu coupable de meurtre avec préméditation, condamné à mort et exécuté, on ne saura jamais pourquoi Meursault a tué. Il assiste à son procès comme si c'était un autre qu'on jugeait. Une profonde réflexion sur l'être et la vie.

©1942 Éditions Gallimard (P)1986/ 2007 Enregistrement Audivis/ Éditions Gallimard

Avis des membres:

Nice story but boringly read and too much music

The story is good but the narrator seems to be sleeping while reading. Also far too much music playing. We buy the book to have the story read to us, not to have so much bad music at the end of every chapter (30 seconds every time, very irritating)

"Aujourd'hui maman est morte!"

Um livro sensacional. É o retrato da impossibilidade da vida no absurdo. Uma imploso a cada frase dita pelo "herói do absurdo". Leitura mais recomendada.

something wrong?

What would have made L'Étranger better?

it starts with something unintelligible , then weird music for a while and then it appears to start randomly, so first time it started halfway through and since it goes back to the start which is pretty annoying, normally when you log back in the next day it carries on where you eft of

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Title: Les Miserables

Author: Victor Hugo

Narrator: Alan Munro

Format: Unabridged

Length: 69 hrs and 17 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-13-15

Publisher: Trout Lake Media

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 18 votes

Genres: Classics, European Literature

Publisher's Summary:

One of the greatest novels of the 19th century. Jean Valjean, who for decades has been hunted by the ruthless policeman Javert after breaking parole, agrees to care for a factory worker's daughter. The decision changes their lives forever.

Members Reviews:

great

its an awesome book. great narration made it even better . loved it. strongly recommend

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Title: Les Misérables

Author: Victor Hugo

Narrator: Bill Homewood

Format: Unabridged

Length: 67 hrs and 52 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-29-15

Publisher: Naxos AudioBooks

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 214 votes

Genres: Classics, European Literature

Publisher's Summary:

Les Misérables is set in Paris after the French Revolution. In the sewers and backstreets, we encounter "the wolf-like tread of crime", and assassination for a few sous is all in a day's work. We weep with the unlucky and heart-broken Fantine, and we exult with the heroic revolutionaries of the barricades; but above all we thrill to the steadfast courage and nobility of soul of ex-convict Jean Valjean, always in danger from the relentless pursuit of the diabolical Inspector Javert.

Translated by Isabel F. Hapgood

Members Reviews:

Could be five starts with re-engineering

I couldn't figure out how to rate this one. It's a little odd giving the story and performance five stars and then giving the overall recording only three. I'll try to explain my thinking.

This title could be a slam-dunk five stars all around. Bill Homewood is a brilliant narrator and captures Hugo's spirit as well as anyone. But the sound quality on the recording is poor: the bass is way too high, and his voice is muffled. That being said, earphones vary a lot, and it's possible to get earphones that flatten out the sound and improve the experience. But I listen to almost all books with the same standard-issue earphones because they're the only ones that stay in my ears; and almost all books are fine, especially with Audible's enhanced quality format. But not this one.

So my three stars is kind of a warning. If you have the right earphones - ones that play up the treble, are better suited to voice, or somehow can flatten the bass - you could be in for a major treat. But if you use the earphones / ear buds / ear pods that came with your generic MP3 player or phone, this one may be hard to listen to.

Terrible Audio quality

Any additional comments?

This is one of the all-time great stories and the reader does an amazing job sharing the story. Unfortunately the quality of the recording is terrible. I actually am trying to find a way to get refunded because the quality is so poor compared to all of the other books I have purchased and I cannot listen to it in most of the circumstances that I normally listen to my audio books.

Anazing!

The narrator for this book has a fascinating range and magically creates many clear voices. It could not be done better.

This was my first read of Les Miserables. The unabridged sometimes went deeper into history and side tales than I expected but always came back to add depth to the story. If you don't have the patience for this the abridged may be a better option.

Loved this book. Often could not put it down.

An Extraordinary Journey

I began listening to this audio book in the heat of a summer's day, in the middle of summer, and ended it today as a great snow falls, blanketing everything in white on a mid winter's afternoon in February, as the light fades from the sky. I feel profoundly blessed to have heard this story in it's entirety. Possibly one of the longest audio experiences I have ever had. It does have it's digressions at times, that feel like it it taking you out of the experience, but always seems to rebound to the grace and beauty of the story. The reader was extraordinary addling such life to the characters and events, and gives it such a French color. Granted I gave up on it several times and listened to other audio books in between, but something always drew me back.

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Title: The Sagas of Ragnar Lodbrok

Author: Ben Waggoner - Translator

Narrator: Ray Chase

Format: Unabridged

Length: 2 hrs and 46 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-17-15

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 124 votes

Genres: Classics, European Literature

Publisher's Summary:

Although based on historical persons from the ninth century, Ragnar Lodbrok and his sons are the subjects of compelling legends dating from the Viking era. Warriors, raiders, and rulers, Ragnar and his sons inspired unknown writers to set down their stories over seven centuries ago. This volume presents new and original translations of the three major Old Norse texts that tell Ragnar's story: The Saga of Ragnar Lodbrok, The Tale of Ragnar's Sons, and The Sögubrot. Ragnar's death song, the "Krákumál," completes the story. Extensive notes and commentary are provided, helping listeners enter the world of these timeless stories of Viking adventure.

Members Reviews:

Primordial fun

Viking sagas are rather baffling out of context, and there's no context offered in this audiobook. It starts telling you about some people. They do a lot of stuff (serpent-slaying, fighting and propagating, mostly). They have children, the children grow up and fight, propagate and slay more serpents. Things continue in this vein and then it stops.

This is not a complaint though. The translation is meaty and listenable, and the reader sounds like a viking. It's not too long, and individual stories within it are interesting. It's an intriguing journey into an alien world.

The reader reads the book a little too briskly for my taste, which doesn't suit the poetic nature of the language. I found that if I slowed him down to x0.75, he sounded fine and seemed to relish the words more.

If you like the History Channel's "Vikings"...

...Then you'll probably like this. It's a retelling of three surviving stories from Old Norse texts. Some of the characters from the show are there as viewers would know them; Others take different forms from story to story, but all have fates intertwined with Ragnar and his children. The seeds of the television show are definitely here, and Ragnar is no less enigmatic and entertaining than he is on television.

Short telling of the lothbrok saga..

. ..i love Viking history and mythology so this excerpt of it was a must for me to read. i found it surprising in content.. things in this story i never knew but also think some info was left out. maybe they weren't sure so didn't want to confuse us?? i do admit i don't have Another piece of work on Ragnar to compare it with but seem to think some info waz missing. otherwise good story and fine reader

calming

it's a very calm listen. it is very interesting to hear all the different tales

excellent narrorator very impressed

the story was slightly hard to follow at times content wise, however the translation was quite accurate and both translation and narration could not have been better! over all very good

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Title: The Twelve Chairs [Russian Edition]

Author: Ilya Ilf, Evgeny Petrov

Narrator: Veniamin Smehov

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 55 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-12-15

Publisher: Interactive Media

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 57 votes

Genres: Classics, European Literature

Publisher's Summary:

The Twelve Chairs is one of the most popular and prolific satirical novels written by Odessa-based Ilya Ilf and Yevgeny Petrov.

Set in Soviet Russia, the story starts with a deathbed confession about substantial family treasures hidden from the Bolsheviks in one of the twelve chairs. A team of treasure hunters is quickly formed. Smooth operator Ostap Bender and Kisa, the Pussycat, set off to track down the chairs. They are not alone in their quest. Father Fyodor took advantage of the deathbed confession and has also set off to recover the fortune.

Read in Russian by Veniamin Smehov. This release is part of the Russian Audio Library collection published by Sovereign Classic - www.sovereignclassic.net

Members Reviews:

Outstanding!

The narrator made the experience of listening to this book outstanding! Very expressive and passionate he knew exactly how to narrate such a complicated multi-character story.

I loved it

It's a classic that never gets old and tired, hilarious and timeless. I wish I could buy in Russia when I live there during the communist regime

Talented reading

Great!! Loved it very much. Smehov is very talented. I would recommend the book. Russian.

Amazing

Keep in mind this is in Russian language, but the story is a classic and and Smekhov's performance is PHENOMENAL

Russian language book

Great story with excellent narrator! I read this book several times, but each time I enjoy this book more and more. Real gem of great Russian literature ! I saw the movie version of this book. The movie is excellent, with great actors. There is an American version of this book too! Great fun!

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Title: 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea

Author: Jules Verne

Narrator: David McCallion

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 10 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-02-15

Publisher: A.R.N. Publications

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 37 votes

Genres: Classics, European Literature

Publisher's Summary:

20,000 Leagues Under The Sea by Jules Verne follows the adventures of the mysterious captain Nemo and his incredible submarine, the Nautilus. Joining the captain on his epic journey around the world is Professor Pierre Aronnax, his servant Conseil, and the Canadian whaler Ned Land. These three become guests of the reclusive submariner when they are washed overboard on a ship that is tracking the Nautilus, believing that it is some kind of giant sea creature.

Once introduced to their unusual host they join him on his journey through the seas. On their travels they will witness some of the most incredible sights: lost cities, legendary shipwrecks, the most amazing sea creatures that man will ever see, and much more. But what secrets will the three visitors find out about this strange man along the way? Who is he? Where does he come from? And what is his reason for building this awe-inspiring vessel which now roams the oceans of the world?

This book was first published in 1870 and was considered very much ahead of its time. It remains to this day one of the greatest science fiction/adventure novels ever, and is widely considered to be Verne's best work. It is brought to life by the wonderful talents of David McCallion. His voice will have you on the edge of your seat as he imbues each of these characters with personality.

Members Reviews:

AMAZING Performance!!!

The beauty of writing about the sea is that there is so much - both known and unknown - that lies beneath the waters surface, which makes any tale about it intriguing yet at the same time terrifying. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea is a fascinating tale about just how far people are willing to go to find out what exists underneath the ocean, and in Professor Pierre Aronnaxs case, the initial journey to investigate what some people think is a sea monster becomes one of the most frightening and emotional adventures he has ever embarked on in his entire life.

David McCallion gives a tremendous reading of this incredible classic, and it is so impressive how he is able to switch between not just characters and personalities, but between accents, as well! He clearly captures the elements of adventure, suspense, and joy at appropriate times throughout the novel, acting like the map that we as the reader need to navigate the deep seas with each of the characters! The very end of the book is the part that I love the most; ending with a touch of suspense and a lot of mystery.

Spectacular Classic

Would you listen to 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea again? Why?

Yes, I would listen to 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea again. It is a keystone classic of science fiction and horror along with Frankenstein, Dracula, and the writings of Edgar Allen Poe. This is quite an adventure. For those who have seen only movie adaptations, please read the book instead.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Nemo was dark and foreboding, but I love Conseil for humor. Aronnax calls him a servant and "boy," but the man is smart and compassionate. Ned Land's obsession with meat and freedom also resonated with me. They are all great characters trapped on a submarine.

What does David McCallion bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book?

He is skilled at portraying different characters. I was amazed he can switch character voices so deftly.

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Title: The Count of Monte Cristo

Author: Alexander Dumas

Narrator: Peter Batchelor

Format: Unabridged

Length: 43 hrs and 57 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-24-14

Publisher: Trout Lake Media

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 255 votes

Genres: Classics, European Literature

Publisher's Summary:

An adventure story primarily concerned with themes of hope, justice, vengeance, mercy, and forgiveness, The Count of Monte Cristo focuses on a man who is wrongfully imprisoned, escapes from jail, acquires a fortune, and sets about getting revenge on those responsible for his imprisonment. However, his plans have devastating consequences for the innocent as well as the guilty.

Considered a literary classic today, The Count of Monte Cristo has become a fixture of Western literature, as inescapable and immediately identifiable as Mickey Mouse, Noah's flood, and the story of Little Red Riding Hood.

Complete and unabridged; a 55-hour epic adventure!

Members Reviews:

It's fine... until it skips chunks of the story

What disappointed you about The Count of Monte Cristo?

I only have two problems with this recording of the book:

1) It's missing parts of the book. Therefore, unusable.

2) The narration is dreadfully irritating at times (e.g. the entire Louis Vamper sequence is like listening to a pig butchering)

What did you like best about this story?

The book is one of the best there is. But not this recording.

What didnt you like about Peter Batchelors performance?

It's fine during normal narrator-speak. The minute he tries to do a woman or an Italian, all bets are off.

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from The Count of Monte Cristo?

It's unabridged, so none.

Enjoyed but...

It was very well done. However ch 26 and 56 are incomplete. I compared to my well worn hard copy.

Classic

Dumas is a genius. The story has so many characters and twists and turns that I benefitted from reading it twice to catch all the nuances. Also helpful was Wikipedias breakdown of the characters and plot!

Hope. Always.

Greatly performed

This is an incredible story and Peter Batchelor does a fantastic job ensuring that all the voices and accents remain with their proper characters throughout the entire read. If you haven't read/listened to the Count of Monte Cristo, then this is the best way to do it.

An Old And Wonderful Classic: The Count Of Monte Cristo

5 Stars given for all categories as Alexandre Dumas has written a fully descriptive tale that is keeping this reader enthralled from the first word in the first chapter.

I must admit that I have seen the movie first and that I did compare the movie to the book. After the first 40 or so chapters I have now forgotten the comparison and am now hanging on to every word and paragraph of the book.

After having read a few classic books from the 17 and 18 hundreds, my opinion is that The Count Of Monte Cristo far exceeds all others in its genre except for, maybe, Dumas' own The Three Musceteers.

The performance by the reader is bang on as he tries, and succeeds, to put a different voice, even though subtly changed in a few, for each character that is introduced. Certainly he makes some small errors, though he professionally continues on as he makes his corrections: that is why the 5 stars for his performance.

I can hardly wait to hear what will happen next. The book is so much better than the movie!

Bravo!!

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Title: Eugene Onegin

Subtitle: A Novel in Verse

Author: Alexander Pushkin, James E. Falen (translator)

Narrator: Raphael Corkhill

Format: Unabridged

Length: 4 hrs and 27 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-22-14

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 41 votes

Genres: Classics, European Literature

Publisher's Summary:

Eugene Onegin is the master work of the poet whom Russians regard as the fountainhead of their literature. Set in 1820s Russia, Pushkin's novel in verse follows the fates of three men and three women. It was Pushkin's own favourite work, and this new translation conveys the literal sense and the poetic music of the original.

Eugene Onegin is the master work of the poet whom Russians regard as the fountainhead of their literature. Set in 1820s imperial Russia, Pushkin's novel in verse follows the emotions and destiny of three men - Onegin the bored fop, Lensky the minor elegiast, and a stylized Pushkin himself - and the fates and affections of three women - Tatyana the provincial beauty, her sister Olga, and Pushkin's mercurial Muse. Engaging, full of suspense, and varied in tone, it also portrays a large cast of other characters and offers the listener many literary, philosophical, and autobiographical digressions, often in a highly satirical vein. Eugene Onegin was Pushkin's own favourite work, and it shows him attempting to transform himself from a romantic poet into a realistic novelist. This new translation seeks to retain both the literal sense and the poetic music of the original, and capture the poem's spontaneity and wit.

Members Reviews:

Pushkin and Falen are brilliant, not so Corkhill

Most in a position to judge find Falen's translation a miracle of verbal and metrical fidelity, but it deserves a much better performance than this one. If Stephen Fry's amazing reading of Falen's translation ever turns up on Audible, snatch it up without delay. In the meantime, stick with Neville Jason's reading of Mary Robson's version (Evgenii Onegin). Jason may not be quite as good as Fry, and Robson is certainly not as good as Falen, but Jason is so much better than Corkhill that there's no contest.

perfect for audio book

wonderful performance. of brilliant prose. heart wrenching tale of lost love and wasted youth. worth every penny.

Excellent!

I lived this book! I enjoyed the narrator as well. I will be looking for more from this author.

Narration cannot be done better, Bravo

This is a great story and the narration is first class. Pushkin is awesome.

It's a manly love story about a man that makes a bad choice to reject both love and loyalty. There is a movie, but the book is much finer.

Phenomenal

Higly recommended

World's top prose poetry

I wish to hear it in original Russian as well.

Zic