Ivan the Fool


Read by LibriVox Volunteers

(4.5 stars; 93 reviews)

Written after Tolstoy suffered a spiritual crisis, Ivan the Fool is a fairy tale that offers children instruction in how to live rightly, simply, and generously. The story emphasizes the destructive aspects of materialism and militarism while idealizing manual labor and the peasant life. (Introduction by Dorlene Kaplan) (1 hr 8 min)

Chapters

Chapter 01 3:32 Read by Larry Caplan
Chapter 02 6:16 Read by Dorlene Kaplan
Chapter 03 3:45 Read by Larry Caplan
Chapter 04 7:37 Read by Dorlene Kaplan
Chapter 05 3:47 Read by Larry Caplan
Chapter 06 3:55 Read by Dorlene Kaplan
Chapter 07 7:01 Read by Larry Caplan
Chapter 08 3:58 Read by Dorlene Kaplan
Chapter 09 2:53 Read by Larry Caplan
Chapter 10 7:44 Read by Dorlene Kaplan
Chapter 11 6:11 Read by Larry Caplan
Chapter 12 11:49 Read by Dorlene Kaplan

Reviews

Excellent Reading!


(5 stars)

It's rare to find a volunteer reading of a great book read as well as this was! Additionally, the message in the story, while simple, is not as dated as one might suppose. Simplicity and work are often subjugated to the complicated "cleverness" of our modern age, to which "Ivan the Fool" is a breath of fresh air and conviction. (Especially when listened to with Tolstoy's "The Slavery of Our Times" in mind.)

Good reading and story, eh audio quality


(4 stars)

The audio sounded as if I was listening through an old radio, but the story was a decent listen overall. This was also my first audiobook I’ve finished as I wanted to start simple, and I’m pretty happy with that fact.

thank you!


(5 stars)

Thank you Caplan and Kaplan for this lovely reading. Both my youngest and I enjoyed it together.


(5 stars)

Really enjoyed the theatrical reading. Wonderful child's story. Different than anything else I've ever read by Tolstoy.

Truly how it is


(5 stars)

Very close match for today's world in 2017. The first will be last and the last will be first. The wisdom of our God, Jesus of Nazareth, is foolishness to the men and women of the World. Truly truly the first will be made last as the last are made first in the eyes of The one who will judge all of mankind. Let us all work while it is day for the night is coming when no one can work.