War & Peace, New Years Day, Radio 4

I suppose it's the radio equivalent of binge watching a TV series and if you're going to do it any day, then New Year's Day is a good one. I couldn't commit myself to,listening the whole day, but I might try listening to bits of it on iplayer. I did watch several episodes of House of Cards in the afternoon and am beginning to enjoy that series.

I remember listening to the radio serialisation back in the late 60's/early 70's. I found it really gripping but I don't think I'd have the time or inclination to listen to a "marathon" broadcast.

I have been listening to this off and on throughout the day and have enjoyed it more than I thought I would. I'm quite taken by the concept and wonder what other works could be broadcast over the course of a day. I came up with Middlemarch or Gone With the Wind. Or how about A la recherché du temps perdu over the course of a week?

I think the depiction of those shallow petty people is deliberate - they have nothing to worry about - yet!

I too was struck by the same thing Humbert - a lot of rich people with petty concerns. But it does gather a bit more depth when they start to discuss war and its pointlessness.

Is anyone listening to the broadcast? I am dipping in and out and I'm not very keen on the serialisation. However I am struck by the shallow, petty lives that the aristocracy led and it makes me very angry. It also seems to me that Dr Zhivago could be seen as a sequel. Can't believe it took another 100 years for revolution

The BBC broadcast Stephen Fry reading one of the Harry Potter books.

War and Peace is on FM but you can listen to the normal schedule on long wave. There's always radio on your smartphone, iPad or computer.

Hasn't the BBC done this before: something with Stephen Fry as narrator? So successful I can't remember what it was. But I do remember the film of W & P with Audrey Hepburn, Mel Ferrer, Henry Fonda and Herbert Lom.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTGd1h0CrYU

It was a wonderful series wasn't it. I always thought Alan Dobie was gorgeous and Anthony Hopkins was a wonderful Pierre. I don't think it's ever been repeated and yet some things get done to death.

Yes Katy and anno I well remember the wonderful serialisation all those years ago - with Alan Dobie as well as Anthony Hopkins. After watching it, I asked for the book for Christmas and then read it in 4 days, astounding as I had a young baby and my ill dad living with us as well. I remember stirring the gravy for the Christmas dinner, book in hand. I do wish they'd show it again.

I remember that television serialisation too. 42 years ago I had never heard of War and Peace and would never have dreamed of watching anything like it but for some reason I did and I was captivated, especially by Anthony Hopkins.

Glad that others seem to be of the same opinion!

Bez I think you have hit the nail on the head, as a serial (perhaps the Sunday afternoon "classic" slot?) it would probably work very well, but almost 10 hours of it on one day It's just too much!

Also, if done in weekly 1 hour "chunks" listeners would have the opportunity to catch up on any missed episodes.

Perhaps some might miss the odd one because they have A LIFE! and things to do, but surely it would be easier to catch up on the odd episode, were it to be broadcast in a "sensible" way?

I wouldn't mind if the BBC repeated the TV serialisation of W&P which they originally broadcast 42 years ago. I know this exactly because I was concerned that DS1 would make his appearance before I had time to see the last episode. He didn't and I did. It was the first time I'd been aware of Anthony Hopkins who played Pierre brilliantly.

I can believe it would take all day to broadcast, it took me 4 weeks to read it!

Does seem a bit OTT.

I was astounded when I heard it was to be broadcast all day long phoenix - initially I thought it was going to be a serial. I am surprised they would think anyone had the time let alone capacity to listen to that much in one go!!