The Death of Ivan Ilyich

Written by Leo Tolstoy

Narrated by Michael Beck

This psychological masterpiece dives into the mind of protagonist Ivan Ilyich as he questions the meaning of life, the significance of death, and his own misguided beliefs and ideas.  Leo Tolstoy describes the mental and emotional journey of Ilyich as he is suddenly confronted with his own mortality and must question his entire way of life.  Ilych had chosen to ignore his family and the health of his own soul as he attempted to reach new heights in his career and social standing.  As his ideas and opinions come under intense scrutiny, he begins to understand the futility and consequences of his way of life.  In describing the deconstruction of this worldview, Tosltoy reveals the serious dangers of selfish and short-sighted living.  This novella is a celebration of redemption and honest introspection as well as an encouragement to live with eternity in mind.


This series, published by ONE audiobooks, seeks to produce Classic Christian titles read by well known and loved audiobook narrators.  ONE takes great care to cast these titles with readers who will provide an unmatched listening experience for these important works.

Michael Beck brings his passion to every performance and is considered to be one of the top audiobook narrators in the industry.

• Language: English
• Publisher: One Audiobooks
• Release date: Jun 14, 2021
• ISBN: 9781646891023

Leo Tolstoy

Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910) was a Russian author of novels, short stories, novellas, plays, and philosophical essays. He was born into an aristocratic family and served as an officer in the Russian military during the Crimean War before embarking on a career as a writer and activist. Tolstoy’s experience in war, combined with his interpretation of the teachings of Jesus, led him to devote his life and work to the cause of pacifism. In addition to such fictional works as War and Peace (1869), Anna Karenina (1877), and The Death of Ivan Ilyich (1886), Tolstoy wrote The Kingdom of God is Within You (1893), a philosophical treatise on nonviolent resistance which had a profound impact on Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. He is regarded today not only as one of the greatest writers of all time, but as a gifted and passionate political figure and public intellectual whose work transcends Russian history and literature alike.

Reviews for The Death of Ivan Ilyich

[Άννα Μαντζαρίδου · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Small, with no more characters than needed. Maybe a bit dark, but liberating in the end

[Edmund Saley · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Review for The Death of Ivan Ilych
"And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever" (Revelation 22:5). The Death of Ivan Ilych is a very striking short novel very worth reading. As Ivan Ilych died he saw a bright light which indicated that he had been admitted into heaven, rather than going into eternal darkness. In the last three days of his life he had come to a repentance for his past life and he died in hope rather than in despair. It is a reflection of Tolstoy on the falsity of our normal thinking and way for life, and a reflection on his own conversion to faith in Christ. It is a rebuke to his own society which few have taken to heart. May we learn from this prophet.