The Gambler

By: Fyodor Dostoevsky

Narrated by: Simon Prebble

The Gambler paints a stark picture of the attractions—and addictions—of gambling. Using skillful characterization, Dostoevsky faithfully depicts life among the gambling set in old Germany. This probing psychological novel explores the tangled love affairs and complicated lives of Alexey Ivanovitch, a young gambler, and Polina Alexandrovna, the woman he loves.

Fyodor Mikhaylovich Dostoevsky (1821–1881) was born in Moscow, the son of a surgeon. Leaving the study of engineering for literature, he published Poor Folk in 1846. As a member of revolutionary circles in St. Petersburg, he was condemned to death in 1849. A last-minute reprieve sent him to Siberia for hard labor. Returning to St. Petersburg in 1859, he worked as a journalist and completed his masterpiece, Crime and Punishment, as well as other works, including The Idiot and The Brothers Karamazov.

Public Domain (P)2010 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“Dostoevsky gives me more than any scientist.” (Albert Einstein)

What a narrator!

This is probably the best narration that I have heard from any audiobook. Simon Prebble’s ability to seamlessly transition between languages and accents. I was astounded! Bravo!
Also the story is fantastic.

Brilliant story and narrator

this is an excellent work of fiction and somewhat autobiographical as well. the reader is one of the best! this is a short but really interesting and exciting around through the mind of the amazing FD!

Great for its time

Elegant description of the psyche of a gambler. Narrator has done a great job of impressions.

important lessons in an entertaining story

A good into into Dostoevsky, an amusing story with important lessons.

The narrator is great

OK 10 stars

Excellent, couldn’t have been done better! Brings the characters to a life intended by Dostoyevsky.

Classic Book, Amazing Narrator

Must read for any fan of gambling, and/or financial speculation, cryptocurrency, and volatile pursuits of that kind. Also very funny at some points, I was laughing more than I expected to.

Time and the human condition

If a person had the ability to stand between the two gaming establishments, the primary house of the 1860’s and our now reality house of today’s 2022, it must be recognized as a human weakness and genetically encoded, too risk all for the hope of an imaginary truth built upon a known lie. Although 160 years has passed, this weakness for a fulfillment never to be obtained still sells.What organized crime once controlled and now openly excepted and expected by our on Government of which they do know a good thing when they see it. Are we really evolving as a species? It is too bad Mr. Darwin is not present to give argument. Nothing new under this sun. Great read, best of a reality check.

Great story and performance!

Excellent place to start with Dostoevsky, and the reader is magnificent- well worth the listen.

Another great novel og Dostojevskj

Why does Audible not give the name of the translator? This important information should not be omitted.

Good story

Pretty entertaining, not being too long is a plus. There's a bit in French in conversations so make sure you're cool with not understanding every word if you don't speak French, for the most part you get the idea from the context.