The White Guard

By: Mikhail Bulgakov

Narrated by: Nicholas Boulton

In the Ukrainian capital Kiev (‘the City’), life has become frightening and fragile. Bulgakov’s first full-length novel is set in the harsh and chaotic winter of 1918-19, as power struggles start to play out with brutal consequences. Echoing Tolstoy’s approach in War and Peace, Bulgakov contrasts the concerns of domestic life with the wide-ranging and destructive historical events; but where Tolstoy’s structure is clear, Bulgakov interweaves narrative, details of military action, snatches of songs, dreams, dialogue and fragments of thought to capture this swirl of confusion on every level, as those caught in the middle of circumstances beyond their control try to ground themselves. Suffering, tragedy and savagery are set out unflinchingly, but the bleakness is offset by a recognition of the resilience of the human spirit, and of the qualities of loyalty and principle–all embodied by the Turbin family. The novel begins and ends with a view of the night sky: beyond the chaos, beauty is still there to see.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

Public Domain (P)2023 Naxos AudioBooks UK Ltd.

amazing

As of just having this finished, I consider this as one of the best books I have ever listened too. the narratoe is amazing and pleasant to listen to. The story is beatifully written but at times challenging to follow. I had to check characters summaries and do a little bit of research to understand the situation of Kiev in 1918. Still, it was so worth it.

Good translation

I read this in the original and accidentally purchased in English. The translation is excellent and the book, of course, is sublime. The reading performance is commendable.