Why Listen to Russian Audiobooks?

Russian audiobooks are convenient. Unlike paper copies of books, you can enjoy an audiobook anywhere. Whether you are driving or working out, you can also drive forward your learning and work out your Russian skills.

If that is not enough to get you hooked, Russian audio books are entertaining. Everyone enjoys a good plot! And with so many options, you are sure to find a Russian audiobook you will enjoy. Enjoying listening to the audiobook will make learning Russian that much sweeter.

Best of all, Russian audiobooks provide you with multiple learning options. You can use just the audio, or you can find a corresponding Russian text to read along in Russian. If you aren’t as confident in your Russian skills, you can also read the English-language version ahead of time so that you already understand the plot of the book and can focus entirely on the language. This versatility makes Russian audiobooks a great tool for any learner. Just choose the route you are most comfortable with!

The 3 Best Russian Audiobook Resources and 10 Highly Recommended Titles

1. LibriVox

LibriVox is a website dedicated to providing free audiobooks for works in the public domain. Since they have volunteers all over the world, many of these audiobooks are available in several languages, including Russian.

To access Russian-language audiobooks, go to their catalog and click the “Language” tab. Then, click “Russian” to choose from over 60 Russian-language audiobooks. You can listen online or download the audiobooks to a mobile device.

Recommendations: 

“Aesop’s Fables”

This classic set of children’s stories is a good option for beginning and intermediate Russian students. Each story is relatively brief which makes them more approachable than longer works. Plus, given the number of animal stories, it will certainly help reinforce animal names for any beginning Russian student.

“Childhood” by Leo Tolstoy

“Childhood” is Tolstoy’s first published novel, though it is largely autobiographical. It is the story of the young son of a landowner as he grows up in 19th-century Russia. Given Tolstoy’s important role in Russian literature, this is an important work for any Russian language and/or literature student. However, due to the complexity of the language, the audiobook is best for advanced students.

2. Audible

Audible is a subscription-based audiobook service from Amazon. For about $15 a month, it provides a wide selection of audiobooks, including Russian-language audiobooks. With their free app, you can listen to any mobile device.

To find their Russian-language content, use the “Browse Audible” drop-down menu to access the “Foreign Language” category. Scroll down to “Russian Language Best Sellers” and click “See All” to view over 2000 Russian audiobook options.

Recommendations: 

“The Master and Margarita” by Mikhail Bulgakov

This Russian classic is the story of the devil and his pals arriving in Soviet-era Moscow. “The Master and Margarita” is a witty satire often hailed as one of the finest novels of the 20th century.

“Everyday Russian for Beginners”

This audiobook is aimed squarely at beginning Russian learners. If you want to learn Russian in a more traditional style but don’t want to use a textbook, this audiobook will help you get the basics down through listening and repetition.

3. YouTube

Yes, your favorite place to watch adorable cat videos can also provide you with terrific Russian-language audiobooks.

Just search “аудиокнига” (audiobook) or “audio kniga” for a wide selection of Russian-language audiobooks accessible via YouTube’s website.

Recommendations: 

“War and Peace” by Leo Tolstoy

Tolstoy’s “War and Peace” is one of the best-known works of literature in world history. It follows the French invasion of Russian in the early 1800s and how it impacts several families. It is largely philosophical and uses advanced language, so it is best for advanced students. However, given the importance of the work, it is an ideal novel for language learners and literature aficionados to familiarize themselves with.

“Harry Potter” by J.K. Rowling

Yes, Potterheads rejoice. You have an opportunity to practice your Russian and an excuse to catch up with your favorite boy wizard all rolled into one great audiobook. While it is not a Russian novel, it certainly is popular and a valuable tool for language practice. While it is a children’s book, which would usually make it great for beginning learners, the presence of specialized terminology makes this book most appropriate for advanced learners and Potter-obsessed intermediate learners.