Let's Read "White Nights" by Fyodor Dostoevsky (Audiobook)

This is an audio presentation of Dostoevsky's short story "White Nights," with occasional commentary from the reader.
CONTENTS:
Reader's introduction: 0:35
Text:
--First Night: 7:31
--Second Night: 39:00
--Nastenka's History: 1:18:50
--Comments: 1:47:16
--Third Night: 1:49:57
--Fourth Night: 2:08:46
--Morning: 2:34:31
Concluding thoughts: 2:41:03

[@khishigtmandakhbayar4563]

Fyodor Dostoevsky: I don’t know how to be silent when my heart is speaking ❤

[@thesophisticatedtarzan1797]

Dostoevsky never fails to leave you in awe and question how distorted we are as a species. Appreciate the work:)

[@lynnware8810]

It was heartbreaking. You read it so well and that is why it hit me so hard. I knew they were deceiving themselves. The irony is that she, too, deceived herself by 'running away' from the love she felt for the lodger. 😢So, we are all dreamers. The narrator is not alone. 😢

[@isha6462]

Right? I want to secretly hate Nastenka but I cannot. What is crazy is the deception of love both Nastenka and the narrator felt. It was not love. When she hinted at her love for the lodger being fake, it obviously was just a thought that then turned out to be true for the narrator and her instead. The 'love' she felt for the narrator was that of a replacement and a distraction. What is so painful about it is the narrator believed it because he had not experienced Nastenka's love before. Wow this was a good read.

[@TourchezArt]

Drink everytime you hear the name nastenka

[@gladysnerifrausto6982]

Challenge accepted

[@greece9177]

challenge accomplished

[@gabib.1780]

If you have the possibility, please do more book readings. These recordings may not acquire millions of views instantly, thus they may not bring any revenue, but they are so very needed in the public domain, you are bring very generous. You are an exceptionally good reader and this type of material is harder and harder to come across. I would, in fact, be willing to pay for this as I now know the quality of your work. As you well point it out, most audio books out there are difficult to follow. Your work is invaluable. Thank you and blessings to you and those you hold dear!

[@hippiasminor6264]

Thank you very kindly! I do indeed plan on doing more of these projects, although the pace may be a bit uneven (there are periods where it is a bit harder to find extra time). I have never really considered monetizing these videos--although that hasn't stopped YT from affixing ads to them. (I would prefer them to be ad free.) When it comes to popularity, my main concern is that they are not submerged in the search engine. It's okay if a book isn't checked out that often, but it's important that you can at least see it on the shelf!

[@jarry1595]

I agree with this commentator. You are creating an archive that mankind can utilize.

[@icyjaam]

I agree with you a lot, the reader, is like a voice artist soothing and does the parts well. I had boight thw book to read it physically, but idk maybe I'm dumb which makes me hard to follow a book, so i put this audiobook on while reading, and even at 1.75x speed, the voices were clear and not ear piercing.

[@TheEaglegold24]

⁹⁹

[@craigcarlock5799]

How is Dostoyevsky's understanding of the mind so profound. We see, even in his early works, how he explores the complicated dynamics between people and the human condition, as full of pain as it with love. So very complex! To the narrator, you my friend are indeed a talented reader! Thank you.

[@lifesucksdude101]

I read this at 2x and stormed through the book in like an hour and a half because the reading is so palpable and so unbelievably good? Thanks for even thinking of doing this!

[@ALEX-em8bc]

if bro didnt yapped about his "dreamer" hypothesis, maybe he could've got a chance 😭😭

[@tiffanyj.lalampaa1413]

I’m at that part rn and I’m wondering what he’s tapping about 😭😭 I’m like “what is this guy talking about!!?” Yoh

[@julietacerliani4838]

im not understanding anythinggg and he is yapping for like 10 pages

[@mics8403]

Thank you so much for recording this, it's one of the best narrations I've ever heard!

[@hippiasminor6264]

Thanks very kindly--I am glad you enjoyed!

[@jacobnewell-oldoakdao]

Oh, Nastenka! Thank you again Hippias Minor for bringing us this story. Appreciate the voices, passion, and commentary too.

[@mochicat8464]

wow, im speechless at the work you do.... recording audio books and going through detailed reviews?! what do you get out of this?

[@hippiasminor6264]

:-) Got a chuckle out of this comment earlier. It *is* an awfully strange hobby. But when you're an academic, the idea of producing material with a cloak of anonymity, and without the insufferable burden of peer review, can actually feel pretty attractive. It's more play than work (for a weirdo like me)!

[@mochicat8464]

@@hippiasminor6264 that's great!! academics are awesome, and your hobby is helping thousands of ppl too

[@ninawalker4453]

London Calling. Thank you so much 🙏

[@noorthe.hermit]

Your voice is good.. and i really like the way,you breakdown the difficult terms in your audiobook making it easier to understand. Thank you for this amazing work.

[@adelismael9433]

Just listened to it while traveling and it's really great I loved how you told it and it's really a masterpiece

[@AlexanderMcConnell]

Incredible. Easy listening. Very professional. Great work! Thank you.

[@kangvolcano9171]

@Hippias Minor, Thanks for the great reading, the beautiful painting displayed during the reading and the excellent concluding thoughts. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.

[@mountains7694]

Ultimate friendzone story.

[@alex-of5wd]

Oh no, I'm barely 40 minutes and noticed your comment because it's the top one

[@mountains7694]

@@alex-of5wd Haha! Sorry, but it’s not really a spoiler, just humour.

[@uncleusuh]

@@mountains7694I hate you for this comment.

[@realtaynali]

It's a pain to go through this story

[@amyn3705]

Ultimate emotional limerance story

[@woodysfan1017]

I've enjoyed roughly half of your Dostoevsky presentations (which is to say that I've listened to roughly half). I appreciate your brief recapsulations and contextualizations. Don't bother too much with the caviling in the comment sections.

[@hippiasminor6264]

Thanks kindly!

[@Mazurka1001]

...your slightly tongue-in-touch touch in reading works wonderfully with this marvel. one of the master's best and, perhaps, the 'lightest' Dostoevsky piece that I can remember (maybe the Stepanchikovo village comes close? altogether different 'tale' though) ...great job.

[@anonymousperson2816]

bro i cannot, this is just sad, of all the tragic stories dostoevsky has written, this is probably one of the most relatable for the average person/casual reader as a guy who's been friendzoned a lot, seen it happen a lot, nastenka's words just sting haha I can't help but laugh and feel bad for him haven't finished it yet, let's see how it ends

[@nikiminkovicova4024]

it ended with no surprise... :D

[@keegster7167]

To me I like it bc they still have a friendship in the end and I’ve had a similar situation happen where I was in love with a friend of mine and we stayed friends. That was when I was barely an adult and was just starting to talk to women. I think it helped me become close to women after that ever since. And now it’s been 6 years and we’re still friends. I hope the same thing happens to this character :P

[@fatmaali4419]

THANK YOU SO MUCH SIR for the amazing work in this channel. 🙏

[@taisegodinho3540]

Thank you for your work, this was utterly delightful!

[@pb2146]

You have amazing skills 👏 I m impressed with your story telling/reading. Thank you so much for sharing your art n talent. God bless you!

[@haribabub1]

Thanks for the nice narration. For a beginner like me your comments help in understanding the greater depth of the story.

[@janetbaggi-biotelli9352]

Thank you so much , your introduction and additional notes are so necessary.

[@realtaynali]

Nastanka's words are like horse whip to my ears 😂😂 oh haven't we all been there

[@林徐-y7o]

Though this work, Dostoevsky manifested his aesthetics of bad ending in his early writings. The ending genuinely moved me

[@Oscar_Mendez]

Amazing video. Loved your reading and the comments! Thanks!

[@telethepontian4226]

Fantastic read, really enjoyed this! I also liked your comments. Thanks

[@rax527]

The voice acting is so on point!!!!!!

[@scotch1993]

Quality channel full of quality work!

[@Jack-bk7fg]

First rate narration, thank you so much.

[@jamesmorgan9258]

Really glad to have discovered this channel.

[@morningpeach8772]

whenever i listen to dostoevskys work i cant help but feel second third AND FOURTH hand embarrassment 😭😭

[@hippiasminor6264]

It's even worse in other stories! Check out "An Unpleasant Predicament" to get a sense of what I mean.

[@victorkaplansky]

I've listened to your exceptionally professional performance immediately after listening to the same novella in Russian, which is my native language, and I have to say that I'm very impressed. If a may propose my two pennies, I would like to say that your reading sounds too distant and cold. The original story is full of tenderness, excitement and anguish. Another technical thing - "Nastenka" should be stressed on the first syllable, otherwise this diminutive form of name Nastya, looses its caressing and loving tones.

[@hippiasminor6264]

Excellent, thank you! One of the challenges I struggle with is knowing where to put the accent. I will remember this for the future.

[@Руми-т9д]

Fabulous job! 👏👏👏 Thank you for your efforts .

[@geoycs]

Wonderful presentation. Thank you!

[@Historelic]

Bravo! Bravo! Thank you George!

[@andrewhung8408]

No girl will listen that boy yapping for over 45 minutes 😂

[@emily-pw4cc]

stop😭

[@Jdoe-ve4vm]

they would in 1848

[@sonyasemyonovic4931]

Great channel.Thanks for all videos

[@hippiasminor6264]

It's my pleasure. I like your nickname!

[@sonyasemyonovic4931]

@@hippiasminor6264When i can't turn my mind off to sleep i always feed my mind Dostoyevsky's words from your soothing voice.I am always thankful for you. ^_^

[@zoha3472]

I liked the book… but your voice ✨ Especially when you said ‘No, Nastenka’ 1:02:09 I’m in love ❤

[@abhishekjoseph4198]

This was beautiful

[@xstunners188]

We shall always be together, shall not we? Oh Nastenka! If only you knew how lonely I am now

[@cherryblossom2169]

SPOILER I knew they wouldn't end up together, but goodness, i was not prepared for how much this would make me sad.

[@user-jy5dg7mu5r]

Very good narration, thank you!

[@chrismalo8124]

A cautionary tale about the perils of being beta. Timeless story.

[@steve5123456789]

Exactly.

[@peachnehi7340]

she made him brave she taught him a lot she may find she chose the wrong guy

[@ruthdenberu4781]

Thank you so much this was very great 👍

[@paolavarriale4418]

Grazie in all languages of the world!

[@hippiasminor6264]

Hopeless monoglot that I am, it's a shame that I can only say "You're welcome" in one. :) But I am glad you enjoyed.

[@zakariaelalami4705]

Man you’re THE BEST

[@tammymilda2169]

This is great thank you

[@SangMism]

Thanks

[@user-ob8kf2tk4h]

41:08 "How have you lived if you have no history?" hit so hard

[@lacarpetronpinkerton9114]

where all my stoy boys at?!!

[@LeSpaghet]

1:25:23 Just marking my place!

[@kavkazip]

Awesom thanks

[@SuperUsed2]

Lovely voice and accent.

[@Kate-go9tp]

Thank you so much! ❤

[@priyashmukherjee3015]

*THE PAIN IS REAL*

[@jollybingo9079]

Your voice sounds very perfect! All the best! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@TescosDuley]

2:32:00 I think I will leave off here, I haven’t the heart to hear how this story ends, I can’t imagine this will last. Edit: Fuck I should have stopped listening.

[@umaalapati]

Thanks a lot , for your efforts.

[@reiko3699]

восхитительный чтец)

[@ninawalker4453]

London Calling. Thank you 🙏

[@anuradhatiwari85]

I did not understand the hero's history part .. the things he said what did it mean ... can anyone tell

[@-salmather]

Bookmark: 58:00

[@Khossaexe]

1:18:50 nastenka’s story

[@ShoaibRashdi]

12:01

[@tanya-li8oc]

personal timestamp: 38:25 50:00

[@PowerHeart999]

thank you for this audiobook

[@SKMikeMurphySJ]

Thank you!!! your'e awesome!

[@icyjaam]

Loved this recording thankss

[@Manx123]

Once you notice how loud the breathing is, it's hard to ignore it; I'm not sure how other content creators remedy this, but somehow, they manage.

[@keegster7167]

I like the reading but I just get irked each time the name “Nastenka” is said that way. I has the stress on the first syllable and the “n” is like the “n” in “end” not in “finger” Ná-stin-ka

[@realtaynali]

Oh, The PTSD

[@priyashmukherjee3015]

*NARRATOR- WHY AM I STILL HERE JUST TO SUFFER?*

[@ammarreacts]

Because you are alive

[@sakiw5899]

42:37 Bookmark

[@ЯрославЯрослав-я3э]

Great!!!

[@getachewashenafi7046]

I just started listening

[@donquixote6353]

Hello when will you do more audiobooks ?

[@hippiasminor6264]

Actually, I have something in the works right now--should be out within a week, I would say. It's a lesser known story called "An Unpleasant Predicament."

[@Nia-yz4ft]

I like you because you haven't fallen in love with me. When I'll be married, we'll be great friends. If you ever fall in love with someone,God give you happiness with her. Some men in your place would've been pestering me. He must be feeling that irrevocable churn in his stomach, he loved her.

[@noir2967]

To say he was crushed would be an understatement

[@sarbinnepal]

She friendzoned the guy for life

[@nickadiguburke1645]

🤣 Yes. Poor guy.

[@seriousperson2065]

Finally a high quality comment

[@collinwest4291]

Dang I'm not reading this

[@lois3356]

i'm new to audiobooks, i actually have read white nights, but i wanted to listen to see how it sounded. let me ask, is it the norm for only a single reader, read it both male and female characters (in audiobooks in general), it's off-putting to me to listen to Nastenka with that man voice, sounds creepy. sorry

[@hippiasminor6264]

It is the norm, but not universal. For a less creepy version, try this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5fKq3-QqNaNm5o You might also consider paying to hear the professionals do it.

[@lois3356]

@@hippiasminor6264 it's not you being creepy, you did a great job. it's just the general idea of having men making woman voices, it distracts me. thanks for the answer!

[@ariharan826]

Iyarkai Tamil movie was taken by this story...

[@agentfalafel5059]

I am a dreamer

[@justinwamsley176]

15:33 timestamp

[@Hello-wz2on]

21:00 35:00 1:10:00

[@piston707]

44:00 Bookmark

[@pokokor6121]

10:46 12:10 28:47 45:55 51:47

[@espressocoffeeshine4346]

Like "Notes from the Underworld" a great expose of the INFJ mind! The whole story seems more like something from an INFJ fantasy in how it all unfolded. Real life never seems to play out like that for some reason! He got his damsel in distress, if only for a moment! He will always love Nastenka. "For it's due to that lack of you (Nastenka) that I'm (He's) now only half of two, look back, finish what, you've begun" - from "Look what you've done" by David Gates of "Bread." No, having her for that brief moment was not enough for a man. It's to little for the whole of ones life! It's natural an INFJ would imagine life has come to an end because of lost that love. He just did what he could not imagine himself doing, and it does not dawn on him he now has the skills to do it again. His mind is clouded by how long it took him in the first place, how close he was, and how it ended so quickly. The author has encountered the real world, it does not go so well for him. This story, his fantasy, is a dopamine hit, followed by a real world rejection! More songs of love and lost love to add to the puzzle of this book: "I'm looking for someone to change my life, I'm looking for a miracle in my life...........the secrets of your soul!" From song "Question" by Justin of "The Moody Blues." "And Aubrey was her name, a not so ordinary girl or name, but who's to blame, for a love, that wouldn't bloom, two hearts that never played in tune........... I would go a million miles around the world just to say, she had been mine for a day!" from "Aubrey" By David Gates of "Bread." You say "the danger is that we may come to love our dreams more then our fellow man." It's not like loving our dreams harms our fellow man. Though we are to love God with our whole heart and soul, and love our neighbor as ourselves. Often it's our dreams that move us to fulfill our duties to love. It's when we fail at love, will we become content with dreams of love only? Do you know the secrets of God's soul?

[@espressocoffeeshine4346]

Don't you think it was really Nastenka's dreams that moved her to marry the other guy? If she really loved him without loving him in person. Then there really is no separation of love and dreams or, because she loved her dreams, she loved the wrong man?

[@hippiasminor6264]

There's a great deal of content here, and obviously I need to increase my musical library, since I can't recall those songs! But let me just comment on the business about dreams, since it touches upon my own content a bit. I'll let others dive into the other ideas you mention. When I made my own remark about dreams and one's fellow man, I had one eye toward Ivan Karamazov. I think his stated problem about whether it really is possible to love another person--the person himself, and not some chimera of the person in our imaginations--is *the* biggest spiritual challenge we face. The dream strikes me as a possible impediment to the real second-personal encounter. But IK puts another gloss on the "one moment of happiness" bit that I hadn't remembered at the time of recording. The quote from the trial at the end of the novel runs something like this: "I would give a quadrillion quadrillions for one moment of joy." In the context, it's a striking assertion, and not one that FMD was throwing away. It was apparently FMD's own position...and perhaps our dreamer offers the first expression of it in the author's corpus.

[@hailtodachimp2950]

It’s over

[@TrailMix1066]

How do you speak clearly for 3 hours straight?

[@hippiasminor6264]

Well, thankfully I can pause the recording! On the other hand, I sometimes do chat for three hours straight at my day job. But you'd have to ask my students whether I am speaking clearly. :-)

[@shiela.7927]

16:27 -bookmark

[@vishers]

pain

[@Igodiefulwut]

1:24:00

[@ipshitajee]

56:56 bookmark

[@Lobotomator]

1:00:37

[@davegonnaway6007]

Nastenka sounds like Mr burns from the simpsons...

[@soumendujana6101]

50:20

[@satashinacumoto8962]

Nastenka, why u r like that? Why

[@xiaolin77777]

7:29

[@devanshchauhan8922]

Thank you