The Death of Ivan Ilych

Written by Leo Tolstoy

Narrated by Kevin Gilhooley

The novella ‘The Death of Ivan Ilyich’ by Leo Tolstoy was published in 1886 and is considered a masterpiece of his late period fiction. It tells the story of a high-court judge in nineteenth century Russia. He lives a simple, carefree life with his family until he is diagnosed with a terminal illness. Confined to bed, he is disgusted that his family avoids the subject of his death by pretending that he is only sick and not dying. He finds comfort only in Gerasim, the peasant boy who does not fear death. In his final days, Ivan distinguishes the artificial life – like his own – from the authentic life lived by Gerasim. Right at the end, he sees a bright light, fear leaves him, and he departs with a feeling of compassion for his family.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Woodkeep Audio
• Release date: Jan 29, 2020
• ISBN: 9781518909887

Leo Tolstoy

Leo Tolstoy grew up in Russia, raised by a elderly aunt and educated by French tutors while studying at Kazen University before giving up on his education and volunteering for military duty. When writing his greatest works, War and Peace and Anna Karenina, Tolstoy drew upon his diaries for material. At eighty-two, while away from home, he suffered from declining health and died in Astapovo, Riazan in 1910.

Reviews for The Death of Ivan Ilych

[Virginia · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I believe the translation that’s available to listen to for free on Librivox is a superior translation. I noticed, for example, in one instance in this one, a seemingly discordant word choice, was in fact, completely mistaken in meaning, and this was even obvious from the context in which it was used. I just saw that another translation is standing by to be made available on Scribd within a couple of days from this writing, so perhaps they will remove this one eventually. The book itself is beautifully written of course.

[kathy · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I never read any Tolstoy and this was a fascinating story. Also the narrator was outstanding-

[Great Bayani Mabuti · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The relief only death could bring.
My key takeaways: Live well, show more appreciation to the people close to your heart and people around. Don't take life for granted. Die not fearing death at all if you expect eternal life in Jesus.

[Mayra Cristina Ordonez Garcia · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What an amazing tale, gets better and better as you keep going. Don't live your life according to what's "proper" or you'll die realizing none of it was GOOD.

[Will Marsan · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Course: Intro to Death
Professor: Leo Tolstoy
Description: This is a required course in living and dying.
Prerequisites: Must be human