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War and Peace

Written by: Leo Tolstoy, Louise Maude - translator, Aylmer Maude - translator
Narrated by: Thandiwe Newton

Publisher's Summary

Tolstoy’s epic novel of love and war, in an unabridged performance by Emmy and BAFTA Award-winning actress Thandiwe Newton.

Some call it the greatest novel ever written. Whether it’s your first time, or you’re ready to dive back in, what better way to experience this epic novel than in this exquisite unabridged reading by Thandiwe Newton?

War and Peace is at once an epic war chronicle and an exploration of everything that make us all human: love and hate, ambition and despair, life and death. Allow yourself to get lost in the lives of three Russian aristocratic families, whose triumphs and challenges are every bit as resonant to today’s listener as they were to original readers. Thandiwe Newton inhabits each character with such flair that it is easy to forget that you are listening to one voice.

So cancel all plans, sit back, and let Thandiwe transport you to 19th-century Saint Petersburg....

Public Domain (P)2021 Audible, Ltd
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What listeners say about War and Peace

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Beautiful narration, thank you!

This lecture of a wonderful classic is perfect, not dull for one moment. I have enjoyed it so much! Thank you Audible Studio :)

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Great recording

I made it to the end! This recording sounds great at 1.5 speed. Great book for long road trips.

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A wonderful reading of a masterpiece

Ms Newton delivers a wonderful reading — not so strong, understandably, with the male voices, but absolutely remarkable with the women. Her Natasha, in particular, is extraordinary. And the story? A masterpiece. A work of genius. Multidimensional characters, about some of whom we come to feel deeply; compelling, intertwined plots; fascinating social history; profound philosophical and theological reflections. For anyone who likes a good story, and who can handle a degree of complexity.

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3 people found this helpful

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I appreciate it more than I enjoyed it.

A really interesting non-western view of history. Part drama, part revisionist history, part philosophy.

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excellent book, excellent narration

Thandiwe Newton is an incredible narrator, the best I've ever heard. The first of many times I'll listen to this book I'm sure.

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Great

Very interesting to listen to the perspectives of old time Russia, I liked how the book also tried to put in some perspectives from the French side of the war as well. I personally enjoyed the societal aspects more than the war scenes, the consistency among characters is phenomenal and it is very easy to become attached as you watch them grow and age. I liked the academic input and it is interesting to see how his foundational theories were based on the systems they had before our current research. I would recommend readers to start with a lighter Tolstoy piece before diving into War and Peace; Anna Karenina or The Brothers Karamazov by Dostoyevsky are good ones to start with.

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Incredible way to experience a masterpiece

Makes a long text very enjoyable and accessible. Really makes every chapter vividly come to life. Couldn’t stop listening

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Thandiwe Newton gives incredible performance (as always)

I didn't always agree with her stylistic choices for specific characters, but she made a very challenging audiobook thoroughly enjoyable.

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incredible

I always wanted to read this classic and the audio book does not disappoint. I have to say the performance is just incredible switching between accents and cadences for each character flawlessly. kudos

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Wonderful reading!

I can’t get over how well this book is narrated!

I cannot stop listening to it, even the war, strategy and politics discussed was quite interesting as the author keeps comparing the behavior of generals and landowners to every day life examples to prove his point. No wonder this is a classic.

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