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(The Maude translation is not my favorite but is highly regarded by those who can read the original.

It is so much more preferable than the monotone employed by several other readers of the same translation. One way of describing it might be “overly broad,” but the word that occurred to me as I was listening to it was “iridescent.” It is a performance that brings the many characters to life and adds zing to the sometimes mundane action of the “peace” sections of the novel. It’s an enthusiastic reading, no question about that, far more “performative” than most I’ve heard. Thandiwe Newton gives an unusual reading of the novel, and that may account for one of the negative reviews.

War And Peace is a months-long project, and I expect to revisit my review a couple of times before I’m done. I admit that I’ve only listened to a few chapters, but some of the initial feedback on the audiobook is undeservedly negative, and I wanted to cast my vote while the production is still new.