I can't speak/read Russian, so I can't make judgements on the translations.. so truckload of salt to be taken:

I listened to the audiobook and I felt it mooted the point of the Author on keeping the various character 'voices' intact. Adding an interpretation of the narrator really helped bring everyone to life. I know it's an added layer but made the whole thing so dramatic and added so much color.

Would recommend listening to such ""dry"" classics!