Beware of Pity

By: Stefan Zweig

Narrated by: Nicholas Boulton

In the twilight of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, a young cavalry officer is invited to a dance at the home of a rich landowner.

There - with a small act of attempted charity - he commits a simple faux pas. But from this seemingly insignificant blunder comes a tale of catastrophe arising from kindness and of honour poisoned by self-regard.

Beware of Pity has all the intensity and the formidable sense of torment and of character of the very best of Zweig's work. Definitive translation by the award-winning Anthea Bell.

©1976 Atrium Press, 2011 Anthea Bell (P)2017 Ukemi Productions Ltd

Critic reviews

"Zweig’s fictional masterpiece." ( Guardian)

Profound novel with a subtle message about our responsibility as guardians of democracy in the face of totalitarianism.

Great storyline. Always on the uncomfortable side, yet smooth and freely flowing. Great ending. But it’s all about the bigger picture and what Zweig was really trying to convey: how to deal with fascism. This novel is very applicable to our current political situation.

The distance of being and pretending

The story is delicately written. It might be a little slow and remote, but the core still enlightens me so much.
The motivations in human relationships are complicated, sincere, and changing. How can we truly understand ourselves and express without misunderstanding to others?
For me, the main message lies in finding the fine line and trying to keep our lives respectable to ourselves. But the story could be unfolded in so many possibilities and interpretations. It speaks of a rare respective to question ourselves.

Masterpiece that is also extremely enjoyable

If you could sum up Beware of Pity in three words, what would they be?

Extremely enjoyable masterpiece

Have you listened to any of Nicholas Boulton’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is the first time I listened and his performance is excellent

Who was the most memorable character of Beware of Pity and why?

The doctor, because he gives off an amazing amount of philosophy, advice, background history, opinion and is a very colorful character in everyday life as well.

Any additional comments?

The reading of this book could not have done a better job, it was excellent. There are so many layers to this story and different references to pity. Besides pity to the girl Edit these is also pity elicited to the lieutenant. In addition, the father of Edit is in need of pity. There are substories within the story which are of high interest as well. The entire story is packed with meaning and submeaning. In addition the mood is set so well that the reader can feel the mood of that period in Vienna and the mindset of a soldier and the atmosphere of the times. Zweig is a master at conveying mood and bringing the reader into his world. The writing is very erudite and there is philosophy at every corner. On top of all that, the story comes off anything but dry and instead is immensely entertaining. This is a classic for all time.

Wow, captivating book, great reading

Timeless and covers humanity to the point and yet describes the period with accuracy and interest. The translation and reading are of the highest level. A must!

Recommended by Jeffrey Archer

In Oxford Union Discussion someone asked Jeffrey Archer which author he really admired and he mentioned this one.

If it's good enough for Mr.Archer it is fantastic for me.

I must comment on the Narrator. He added the passion and drama to the story, so much, that I almost came close to tears at times.

truly remarkable piece of writing. I am glad I found it.