Uncle’s Dream

Roger May’s narration of *Uncle’s Dream* is so good it almost makes me question why we don’t narrate all classics this way. His Prince K. is a masterclass in weary resignation, his voice dripping with the kind of exhaustion that comes from decades of being manipulated by people who see him as nothing more than a pensionable asset. The supporting cast is just as strong—Marya Alexandrovna’s icy calculation drips from every syllable, while her daughter Zina’s petulant charm is achingly real. The humor in Dostoyevsky’s writing lands perfectly here, especially in the scenes where the town’s elite circle the Prince like vultures, each offering just enough flattery to keep him pliable. May’s timing is impeccable, balancing the story’s sharp wit with moments of genuine tenderness, like when the Prince briefly forgets his own misery to appreciate the beauty of a sunset. If I had one critique, it’s that the audiobook’s runtime could feel snappy if the pacing ever slips—there are a few stretches where the satire lingers just a beat too long, and May’s performance, while excellent, can’t fully compensate for the story’s occasional structural unevenness. The production also misses an opportunity to lean harder into the absurdity; a touch more musical punctuation or ambient noise (like distant laughter or clinking teacups) might have amplified the farcical tone. Still, these are minor quibbles. *Uncle’s Dream* is a revelation in audio form, proving that even a lesser-known Dostoyevsky work can feel electric when paired with such a skilled narrator. It’s the kind of book that makes you want to pause every few minutes just to savor the writing—and May’s delivery ensures you’ll actually do it.