Download Best Sellers Audiobooks in Classics, European Literature

Ulysses Audiobook by James Joyce

biacuaduc@gmail.com (James Joyce) — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 05:10:22 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Ulysses Author: James Joyce Narrator: Jim Norton Format: Unabridged Length: 27 hrs and 16 mins Language: English Release date: 07-31-08 Publisher: Naxos AudioBooks Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1363 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: While Bloom's passionate wife, Molly, conducts yet another illicit liasion (with her concert manager), Bloom finds himself getting into arguments with drunken nationalists and wild carousing with excitable medical students, before rescuing Stephen Dedalus from a brawl and returning with him to his own basement kitchen. In the hands of Jim Norton and Marcella Riordan, experienced and stimulating Joycean readers, and carefully directed by Roger Marsh, Ulysses becomes accessible as never before. It is entertaining, immediate, funny, and rich in classical, philosophical, and musical allusion. Critic Reviews: "As ambitious and rewarding an audio production as any that exists, an audio experience that truly deserves to be cherished....Readers of Ulysses have long been encouraged to read out loud the more difficult sections for added comprehension and enjoyment of the language. Now, thanks to Naxos, the entire book is available in a performance to savor. It is safe to say that anyone wanting to experience the preeminent work of modern fiction has in this package the perfect audio companion." (AudioFile) Members Reviews: Ulysses (Unabridged) This book was well worth the money and time invested - a master work which was read accurately and in keeping with the spirit and culture of the writer. The Irish accents of each character were deftly done and easy to identify for without the changes in irish dialect for different characters it would have been very difficult to follow - this book is like Shakespeare - easier followed when performed than when read. Some of the passages were in turn hilarious and disturbing - I was constantly impressed by the narrators skills. The book is NOT AN EASY LISTEN - it requires and deserves a lot of concentration which many folks wont be interested in giving it - it took me a long time to get through, but it was entirely worth it and I doubt if I would have had the stamina to read through the book. The narrators accents and infusion of life and character into the text were wonderful. I intend to listen to this one at least twice to get full richness of the work - Highly recommended. let it flow! The narration is flawless. NOT too fast... NOT mumbled...excellent modulation and everything... The audio quality is excellent. The writing is fascinating. It is not a novel which you try to "follow". If you do , you end up writing a negative review of it. The style is stream of consciousness, so you just let it flow in, through and around you. I could never have read through the whole thing, so I'm grateful for this wonderful recording. Extraordinary!!!!!! I have never heard a better reading of a novel than this amazing version of Ulysses. What a great reading! The spoken word brings this work so vividly to life, with all its accents, inflections, stage directions, and the music of the language. It is actually easier to follow and understand than reading the book itself. An unforgettable, wonderful experience! Highly recommended. More often discussed than read. I can see why... Any additional comments? First things first, hats off to Jim Norton for an inspired interpretation of what is not an easy read by any stretch of the imagination. Norton at least makes it possible for the listener to, by and large, keep up with what's happening. Most of the time. Look, I can see why people rave about the genius of the book.

The Wealth of Nations Audiobook by Adam Smith

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Adam Smith) — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 09:44:43 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Wealth of Nations Author: Adam Smith Narrator: Gildart Jackson Format: Unabridged Length: 36 hrs and 47 mins Language: English Release date: 01-11-11 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 616 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: The foundation for all modern economic thought and political economy, The Wealth of Nations is the magnum opus of Scottish economist Adam Smith, who introduces the world to the very idea of economics and capitalism in the modern sense of the words. Smith details his argument in five books: Taken together, these books form a giant leap forward in the field of economics. A product of the "Age of Enlightenment," The Wealth of Nations is a must for all who wish to gain a better understanding of the principles upon which all modern capitalistic economies have been founded and the process of wealth creation that is engendered by those principles. Members Reviews: Loved the Narrator The writings herein is brought forth with great workmanship of speech. Recording was wonderful and enjoyable through all 5 books. Amazingly accessible Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why? Absolutely. I had thought the Smith had anticipated much of our current understanding of the way markets function. Instead, he had all of the fundamentals figured out. I was fearing that it would be quite obscure in topic and language, but found it pleasantly accessible, if perhaps a bit long. As as reading the classics, I would definitely recommend this. Who was your favorite character and why? The market. What about Gildart Jacksons performance did you like? It fit the material. If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be? The Way Your World Works ADAM SMITH The Wealth of Nations is often referred to but rarely read or listened to in the 21st century. Thirty Six hours of an audio book is punishing. However, one is surprised by Adam Smiths prescient understanding of the value of freedom and his appreciation of American and British conflict over American colonization. The Wealth of Nations is not only about economics. It is about politics as an essential ingredient of economics. Visiting The Wealth of Nations is a worthwhile journey into history. One wondersIs there a 21st century Adam Smith in Americas future or is he/she pottering around Asia, Europe, the Middle East, or Africa and not yet recognized? Is there an alternative to free market capitalism that insures freedom and offers prosperity? Simply a classic. Much better audio this time. A couple of years ago, I purchased this title and really struggled with the quality of the audio. This newer edition is much better. As for the content, it is what it is. A classic that is the foundations to our current understanding of economics. It has great historical value but is not really an easy read. For me, its just something I had to get being an avid student in economics. I won't be giving a review of the subject matter since it is what it is and many have done much better that i could ever do. Just wanted to say this version has great audio! Long but worth it What did you love best about The Wealth of Nations? After hearing about Adam Smith and he being quoted time and time again, I finally decided to give him a listen, because I knew that I would not have the time or dedication to make through the book. I had built up my listening stamina through the years i have had Audible and began the journey.

The Phantom of the Opera Audiobook by Gaston Leroux

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Gaston Leroux) — Mon, 06 Dec 2004 13:38:38 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Phantom of the Opera Author: Gaston Leroux Narrator: Ralph Cosham Format: Unabridged Length: 7 hrs and 35 mins Language: English Release date: 12-06-04 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1242 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: The story begins with an investigation into some strange reports of an "opera ghost", legendary for making the great Paris opera performers ill-at-ease when they sit alone in their dressing rooms. Some allege to have seen the ghost in evening clothes moving about in the shadows. Nothing is done, however, until the disappearance of Christine during her triumphant performance. With an increasing pattern of fear and violence, The Phantom of the Opera begins to strike, but always with a beautiful young performer at the center of his deadly desires. (P)2004 Blackstone Audiobooks Critic Reviews: 2005 Audie Award Nominee, Classic Members Reviews: Phantom of the Opera I was quite impressed by this book. I did not know that this was a book and was eager to listen to the full unabriged story. The story was quite fascinating and I was eager to listen straight through without stopping. The narrator Ralph Cosham did a good job narrating the story. He has a nice clear voice and was able to make the different characters stand out from each other. I really enjoyed this title and would recommend it to others. Book better than the movie I'm usually a purist and read the book before I watch the movie. However, my children persuaded me to watch Andrew Lloyd Weber's "Phantom" and I found the story to be haunting and unsettling, so much so that I decided to get the book. This audio book was fantastic! The reader did an outstanding job infusing emotion into the reading. Leroux develops the characters so much more than a movie is able to. I understood so much more of the emotions, character backgrounds, and even the plot than I had with the movie. I ached for Christine Daae with the decisions she had to make and the final outcome of the story. If your only exposure to Phantom of the Opera has been either Weber's Phantom or any of the other movies made based on this story, you must read (or listen to) this book. If you've never been exposed to any version of the Phantom, you must read this book. It is Beauty and the Beast set in an opera house. In the end, the only thing that can defeat evil is love. Heads Up #4! Why pay $2.95 for this "Audio Book Du Jour" when the kindle edition is $0.00 (Caution...there are multiple Kindle editions - make sure you select the right one) and after you "purchase" that book the Audible audiobook is $0.99. Obviously this is not a review but I didn't know where else to post. The rest of the classic story... STORY (French gothic classic) - I absolutely loved the play, which I saw in New York several years ago. This book isn't nearly as awesome -- no beautiful voices, costumes, stage effects, etc., but what it does is fill in the gaps of the story. Who is the Phantom? Is he real? Where did he come from? Why does he wear the mask? How does the story really end? These questions will be answered after you listen to this book. It is the original classic which inspired the plays, the operas, the movies. The story takes place in (and under) a famous opera house in 19th Century Paris. It is basically a tragic love story about a hideously deformed creature who is obsessed with a young opera prima donna. Strange and horrible things happen in the opera house between performances and during them, and the Phantom (who supposedly lives under the opera house) is credited with causing them.

The Scarlet Pimpernel Audiobook by Baroness Orczy

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Baroness Orczy) — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 23:19:15 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Scarlet Pimpernel Author: Baroness Orczy Narrator: Ralph Cosham Format: Unabridged Length: 8 hrs and 19 mins Language: English Release date: 06-14-07 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 760 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: Some said this man of many disguises, endless ruses, and infinite daring was an exiled French nobleman, returned to wreak vengeance. Others said he was an English lord, seeking sheer adventure and supreme sport in playing the most dangerous game of all. But of only one thing could those who sought him be sure. They knew all too well the symbol of his presence: the blood-red flower known as the Scarlet Pimpernel. Critic Reviews: "A swashbuckling adventure tale of epic proportions...an exciting, fast-paced story." ( Large Print Reviews)"Arguably the best adventure story ever published, and certainly the most influential that appeared during the early decades of the 20th century." (Gary Hoppenstand) Members Reviews: Good read/good listen I was a fan of the book long before listening to the audiobook, and I just have to say, wow! This is one of those books where the nationalities of the main characters is critical to keep in mind, and it's hard to do while just reading - the narration really made it pop. Excellently done! excellent classic and excellent narrator I really enjoyed this book - had seen the movie but enjoyed hearing all the unabridged details more. Narrator is excellent with french accents - one part at end during chase scene got a little long for me but overall I thoroughly enjoyed it. Wonderful Story This is a book I read over and over again. The Scarlet Pimpernel is the perfect romantic hero, as he serves and sacrifices for the many. Narrator does a great job, though it's not perfectly smooth. But I love his voices and he adds so much to the story. Not great literature but a great classic I almost gave this 5 stars -- I really wanted to because it was hugely entertaining for such a quick, light read, but I found Orczy's prose just a little too purple and repetitious at times. She gives great descriptions, and Sir Blakeny's clever disguises and escapes from the French Republicans are great fun to read (if very obvious to the reader), but while this is a worthy classic in the spy/adventure novel genre, it falls short of being a literary masterpiece; Baroness Orczy just is not a Dickens or even a Bronte. That said, many people - especially if looking for something light to read - may well enjoy Orczy more than one of Dickens's dense multi-layered tomes, or a depressing Bronte novel about dysfunctional Byronic anti-heroes. The Scarlet Pimpernel is all close calls and daring rescues by the dashing Sir Percy Blakeny, who adopts the persona of a dull-witted playboy but is secretly the Scarlet Pimpernel, leader of a band of English gentlemen who spirit French aristocrats condemned to die by the guillotine out of France. He's kind of like an 18th century superhero, Bruce Wayne in a cravat. His French-born wife, Marguerite, has no idea that her seemingly stupid and inane husband is the heroic figure admired throughout England and despised throughout France. Much of the tension in the novel is marital tension between these two -- Marguerite has done some bad things in the past that she regrets, but she can't explain them to Percy, so he of course doesn't trust her. Never fear, the story has a romantic happy ending. Again, great fun to read, but Orczy was a bit of a hack as a writer and the story sort of careens from one unlikely escape to another, so don't expect much depth.

Les Misérables: Translated by Julie Rose Audiobook by Victor Hugo, Julie Rose (translator)

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Victor Hugo) — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 19:49:24 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Les Misérables: Translated by Julie Rose Author: Victor Hugo, Julie Rose (translator) Narrator: George Guidall Format: Unabridged Length: 60 hrs and 31 mins Language: English Release date: 06-14-11 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 2012 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: One of the great classics of world literature and the inspiration for the most beloved stage musical of all time, Les Misérables is legendary author Victor Hugos masterpiece. This extraordinary English version by renowned translator Julie Rose captures all the majesty and brilliance of Hugos work. Here is the timeless story of the quintessential hunted manJean Valjeanand the injustices, violence, and social inequalities that torment him. Critic Reviews: Rich and gorgeous. This is the [translation] to read. (Times (London)) Members Reviews: A Book that Made Me a Better Person I'm sitting here wondering what I can possibly say in regard to Les Misérables, and feeling more than a little overwhelmed. I finished listening to the audiobook last night, and am still reeling from everything the book said and means. That being said, I'll give it my best shot. But I'll give you a warning up front: this is a long, profound book. So I'll have to write a long review to express my thoughts on it. Even so, I feel like I'm just scratching the surface. I'll start with the Audible stuff: as a translator myself, I know how difficult Julie Rose's job was, especially with a book of this magnitude. She had to get into Hugo's brain and express the story so that English speakers could understand and appreciate the tone and atmosphere of Hugo's world correctly. While doing this, she had to be invisible and let Hugo tell the story. It's a very fine line to walk, and she did a fantastic job with it. George Guidall did excellently in his narration--each character was distinct, and their voices changed depending on their point in life, while remaining individual. Wow. Now on to the book itself. Les Miserables is known as one of the cornerstones of European literature--I don't think anybody will dispute that. However I think that many people are only exposed to the story through the stage version, and never really consider trying to takle the book. In many ways, I understand this. The book is LONG. The audiobook version is over 60 hours, and most print versions are well into the 1,100+ page range. Not for the faint-hearted. But people that limit themselves to only experiencing the musical version are not only putting a cap on their enjoyment of the story, but are also limiting their intellectual growth. I'm not saying that reading this book will make you smarter, but I am saying that reading (or listening to) Les Miserables will make you think about things you've probably never considered before, and not all of those things are good. The book is dark. The book is sad. The things that happen to the characters will tear your heart out and make you want to strangle somebody at the same time. I finished listening on my commute home, and I started crying on the platform at Ueno Station in Tokyo. Becky (my wife for those of you reading this who don't know) has frequently said that she feels that Victor Hugo was inspired as he wrote this. I can't disagree. Any book that can have such a profound impact on both the guy listening in Tokyo as well as the world has to have something more than literary genius going on. I can honestly say that having read this, I feel like I am a better person for having read (listened) to Les Miserables. Now for the nitty-gritty.

The Stranger Audiobook by Albert Camus

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Albert Camus) — Thu, 19 May 2005 00:58:38 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Stranger Author: Albert Camus Narrator: Jonathan Davis Format: Unabridged Length: 3 hrs and 27 mins Language: English Release date: 05-19-05 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 2710 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: When a young Algerian named Meursault kills a man, his subsequent imprisonment and trial are puzzling and absurd. The apparently amoral Meursault, who puts little stock in ideas like love and God, seems to be on trial less for his murderous actions, and more for what the authorities believe is his deficient character. This remarkable translation by Matthew Ward has been considered the definitive English version since its original publication. It unlocks the prose as no other English version has, allowing the listener to soak up the richness of Camus' ideas. Members Reviews: Is amorality bad? Existentialism: each individual is solely responsible for giving meaning to life. The accepted cultural morality is absurd and unacceptable. Camus created the character Mersault as the perfect example. He did it so well that I was struck by the amoral, not immoral, life experience of Meursault. He never lied, never considered yesterday and did not worry much about tomorrow. His life was lived now. Even the murder he commits is not enough to get him to feel remorse. In the final confrontation with the priest he verbalizes his "philosophy of life", every life is worth the same and there is no grand meaning to life and whether one lives or dies will not affect the rest of the world as everyone will go on living. Mersault demonstrated this after the death of his mother and as much as he preferred not to die, he knew that if it was today or twenty years from now, it would be the same. He would die and the universe would go on. Thought provoking, I enjoyed it. Top notch translation This was an excellent translation. (I had previously read the book in the original French.) The translator's notes at the end were very interesting. The narrator sounded exactly like I would imagine Meursault would have sounded if the book had originally been written in English. A classic that is just a good now as in the 1940s It seems a lifetime ago that I first encountered Camus in philosophy classes. I was haunted by him then and the effects have remained with me all these years so I was delighted to have an opportunity to go back to "The Stranger" and read/hear it again. It is fiction but as Camus said (loosely), the novel is just philosophy expressed graphically. It was written in the 1940s when the European world was embroiled in terrible conflicts that called into question all previous beliefs. The Existentialists like Sartre and Camus asked tough questions and this novel expresses those questions in the life of one ordinary man whose life has lost meaning. It is beautifully read and will haunt you. Classic book, excellent audiobook The Ward translation of "The Stranger," while not universally loved (many prefer the Gilbert translation which I have not read), works well for this audiobook. The reading is well done and recorded properly. It is, pretty much, a perfect audiobook. thank god for Robert Smith the stranger. From the cures first album came a song inspired by this book. the song is called killing an Arab. I remember the controversy t created in the Arab community and parts of the world. The albums soon required a sticker on the front that gave a brief explanation. It was something to the effect of: this song is not about hatred of Arabs. It is based on the character in the novel the stranger.

The Three Musketeers Audiobook by Alexandre Dumas

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Alexandre Dumas) — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 06:29:48 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Three Musketeers Author: Alexandre Dumas Narrator: John Lee Format: Unabridged Length: 23 hrs and 38 mins Language: English Release date: 03-03-09 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 2590 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: Mixing a bit of seventeenth-century French history with a great deal of invention, Alexandre Dumas tells the tale of young D'Artagnan and his musketeer comrades, Porthos, Athos, and Aramis. Together they fight to foil the schemes of the brilliant, dangerous Cardinal Richelieu, who pretends to support the king while plotting to advance his own power. Bursting with swirling swordplay, swooning romance, and unforgettable figures---including the seductively beautiful but deadly femme fatale, Milady, and D'Artagnan's equally beautiful love, Madame Bonacieux---The Three Musketeers continues, after a century and a half of continuous publication, to define the genre of swashbuckling romance and historical adventure. ©1923 Public Domain; (P)2008 Tantor Editorial Reviews: Of course you've heard of the three famous swordsmen, but did you know that the novel is really funny, as well as replete with romance and adventure? John Lee does, and his narration plays up all three attributes to great effect. For those who need a reminder, Dumas's classic adventure presents the escapades of three of King Louis's musketeers, Athos, Porthos, and Aramis, plus D'Artagnan (a musketeer in training) as they foil a few of Cardinal Richelieu's many devious plots. Amid much swordplay, they actually utter the famous line: "All for one and one for all." Lee struggles a bit with accents and characterizations early in the production. His hesitations disappear after a few chapters, however, and he gives fine voice to the rest of the madcap tale. Members Reviews: What Fun! Reading The Three Musketeers was great fun! I especially loved the way it ended. I count it among my favorites now, and will no doubt read it again. The impressive combination of Alexandre Dumas and John Lee brought it to life for me in a way I didn't think possible. I love it! ***NOTE 1: Thanks to Audible and John Lee for making this experience possible. It was important to me that the experience be authentic, realistic, and free flowing. Through Audible's and John Lee's efforts, everything that I feared would make reading a noted classic like this cumbersome or difficult???has disappeared. Instead, it was just... amazing! ***NOTE 2: Mr. Lee, PLEASE narrate James Clavell's Shogun and King Rat! I think only you could really do them justice. This is one book for all. All for one? Much richer and fuller than any movie or adaptation I've seen before. It is an epic and long but well worth it. Who knew... Don't miss this book What did you love best about The Three Musketeers? It's a classic, what's not to love? What was one of the most memorable moments of The Three Musketeers? The whole book was memorable. In today's society, it's easy to get lost in the language but don't let that stop you. The fight between Dartanian and the three Muskateers near the beginning was my favorite part. Especially seeing as they bonded so closely after that. Which character as performed by John Lee was your favorite? Dartanian was my favorite. He was a proud man with a good heart and fierce loyalties. Any additional comments? Do yourself a favor and stick with this book. Once it grabs you, you'll be hooked.

War and Peace, Volume 1 Audiobook by Leo Tolstoy

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Leo Tolstoy) — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 18:30:29 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: War and Peace, Volume 1 Author: Leo Tolstoy Narrator: Neville Jason Format: Unabridged Length: 30 hrs and 22 mins Language: English Release date: 04-27-07 Publisher: Naxos AudioBooks Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 1529 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: War and Peace is one of the greatest monuments in world literature. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars, it examines the relationship between the individual and the relentless march of history. Here are the universal themes of love and hate, ambition and despair, youth and age, expressed with a swirling vitality which makes the book as accessible today as it was when it was first published in 1869. In addition it is, famously, one of the longest books in Western literature and therefore a remarkable challenge for any reader. Neville Jason read the abridged version of War and Peace and proved his marathon powers with his outstanding performance of Proust's Remembrance of Things Past. These make him the ideal narrator to essay Tolstoy's epic. War and Peace was translated by Louise and Aylmer Maude. Critic Reviews: "War and Peace presents us with a complete picture of human life; a complete picture of the Russia of those days; a complete historic picture of the struggle of nations; and a complete picture of the things in which men set their happiness and greatness, their sorrow and their shame." (A.V. Knowles, Tolstoy: The Critical Heritage) "There remains the greatest of all novelists - for what else can we call the author of War and Peace?" (Virginia Woolf) Members Reviews: A Truly Great Book and a Truly Astounding Narrator War and Peace is a book that I put off reading for quite a long time. I have to say that I regret not having read it earlier in life, as the characters are so very true to life, and the story, while specific to its time, has themes that are universal and timeless. As one familiar with the Aubrey-Maturin series by Patrick O'Brian, I found Tolstoy's Russia of the same time period to be startlingly familiar in many ways, and quickly became engrossed in the story. Listening to it in Audio book format only adds to the pleasure, as Neville Jason narrates each scene with superb timing, and is able to pitch his voice and change his tempo to put real "character" behind each character. It seems impossible, but he's able to portray both young and old women in a variety of circumstances in such a way that you ~never~ feel he's striking a false not, or tempt you to laugh at the voices he summons for them. The basic character of humanity apparently does not change. Tolstoy's asides (Such as "Like all young men, he was determined to make his opinion known.") are as true today as when he wrote them. The nature and actions of the many people within the book are never dull, sometimes moving, often very funny, and always authentic. I've purchased a printed version of War and Peace which I will look forward to re-reading from time to time, and may keep a few audio chapters handy for "impulse listening" in the future. By all means, take a listen - War and Peace's reputation is wholly deserved. Awesome I have loved W&P since college--and that's a long time ago. I've read it, I suppose, twenty times. But never have I enjoyed it quite so much as in this splendid reading. Neville Jason is a genius. (And, duh, so is Tolstoy.) Highly recommended. Sipping Fine Wine The story of War and Peace is an amazingly colorful and exciting story. It's almost a thrill a minute. But some thrills are quieter than others.

Siddhartha Audiobook by Hermann Hesse

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Hermann Hesse) — Tue, 03 Sep 2013 19:51:46 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Siddhartha Author: Hermann Hesse Narrator: Chris Hendrie Format: Unabridged Length: 3 hrs and 53 mins Language: English Release date: 09-03-13 Publisher: Chris Hendrie AudiobookstoLife Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 158 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: Versatile actor Chris Hendrie breathes life into this poetical and allegorical novel and leads us on a profound spiritual journey to finding enlightenment. With a deep and compelling humanity, its young hero moves through self-discovery into self-knowledge, and finally into pure joy as he encounters the river of life. Published in 1922, this book has inspired millions worldwide. Members Reviews: Great Narration Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why? I recommend it because it is Hesse's most beautiful story. What other book might you compare Siddhartha to and why? Life of Pi?? Have you listened to any of Chris Hendries other performances before? How does this one compare? I have heard Gatsby and Treasure Island, and Metamorphosis - this is hard to compare since it is more of an epic poem than a "novel". If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be? No Keanu Reeves! Any additional comments? Yes, I wrote a review and you lost it This is a beautifully rendered version of "Siddhartha" that captures the music of Hesse's tone and rhythm - Chris Hendrie's skills bring out the respect and love Hesse had for the life of this great teacher - in a voice that is captivating. Bad audio Classic story. When the audio was good it was good but many fluctuations and dubbed over sounding sections throughout the book. Sounds like a draft copy. first audio book! Really enjoyed this book. the storey in wonderful and enlightening. I hated the narration changes. Bad recording Great book, great reading, terrible recording. Cuts in and out; often barely audible. Skip this one. Poor sound editing. Other version a far easier listen. This one has a decent narrator, but sounds like it has been pieced together from various clips recorded at different times. Not a pleasant experience.

The Count of Monte Cristo Audiobook by Alexandre Dumas

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Alexandre Dumas) — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 21:59:55 GMT

Crime and Punishment Audiobook by Fyodor Dostoevsky, Constance Garnett (translator)

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Fyodor Dostoevsky) — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 09:04:49 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Crime and Punishment Author: Fyodor Dostoevsky, Constance Garnett (translator) Narrator: Anthony Heald Format: Unabridged Length: 20 hrs and 29 mins Language: English Release date: 12-17-07 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1390 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: In this intense detective thriller instilled with philosophical, religious, and social commentary, Dostoevsky studies the psychological impact upon a desperate and impoverished student when he murders a despicable pawnbroker, transgressing moral law to ultimately "benefit humanity". ©1866 Public Domain; (P)2007 Blackstone Audio, Inc. Members Reviews: Excellent Excellent Excellent! The book is a classic, so there is not much to say that wasn't already said by someone. I'll turn to the reading... WOW. This is the best audiobook I've ever listened to. The narrator, Anthony Heald, reads like he is telling the story from his own head, like it's something that happened to him. Amazing. A very very enjoyable listen and highly recommended for all. I'll definitely try to check other books read by this guy. Wonderful reading, disturbing book I didn't realize Anthony Heald was such a brilliant audiobook reader; now that I know, I'll be on the lookout for more titles from him in the future. He takes what I had always thought was a fairly stodgy translation and makes it jump off the page (or in my case, out of the iPod). It's a breathless performance, all the characters clearly differentiated, the narration moving forward rapidly, the novel closing in on the climax of the story with almost unbearable tension. There are at least three hearty laughers in this novel, and in Heald's reading we can tell them all apart instantly. In this case the tension is moral rather than physical. It's a murder mystery of sorts, but one where we see (and FEEL) the crime being committed: Dostoevsky and Heald put us inside Raskolnikov's mind before, during, and after the double murder at the center of the plot. In this case the problem that drives the story isn't whether the police will catch the killer -- although the novel features a clever and persistent detective worthy of the best of the genre -- but whether the killer can be brought to a point where he has the moral courage to confess. It's a disturbing book, not because of Raskolnikov's minutely-described act of violence, but because of Dostoevsky's pitiless, unblinking gaze at poverty. I can't remember the last time a description of hunger and hopelessness had such a visceral effect on me. I kept wanting to grab Raskolnikov by the collar and scream "EAT SOMETHING!!" First rate on all counts. Highly recommended. Joining my "Greatest Books" list If you could sum up Crime and Punishment in three words, what would they be? Murder...torment...resurrection. What did you like best about this story? I loved the plot and the characters but the narration by Anthony Heald was so outstanding that it's hard to even describe it other than saying it was hypnotizing. More than 20 hours long and I couldn't wait to get back to it each time I had to leave it. Mr.

Heart of Darkness Audiobook by Joseph Conrad

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Joseph Conrad) — Mon, 19 Aug 2013 11:11:05 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Heart of Darkness Author: Joseph Conrad Narrator: Alan Munro Format: Unabridged Length: 4 hrs and 40 mins Language: English Release date: 08-19-13 Publisher: Trout Lake Media Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 192 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: Although Heart of Darkness was one of the first literary texts to provide a critical view of European imperial activities, it was initially read by critics as anything but controversial. While the book was generally admired, it was typically seen either as a condemnation of a certain type of adventurer who could easily take advantage of imperialisms opportunities, or else as a sentimental novel reinforcing domestic values: Kurtzs Intended, who appears at the novellas conclusion, was roundly praised by turn-of-the-century reviewers for her maturity and sentimental appeal. A classic. Members Reviews: Great Story, Poor Performance Would you be willing to try another one of Alan Munros performances? ONLY if it's a physics book. Any additional comments? The good story gets lost in the monotone performance of the narrator. Poorly matched Alan Munro's husky baritone & halting drone do this story no justice. The stately pacing does lend gravity, but the whispered consonants are muddied over by the density of the vowels. Sometimes, Munro seems to have fallen in love with the grandeur of his own voice--throwing in pauses for style, rather than meaning. The story itself is wonderfully layered atmosphere, social criticism, and historical fiction. Plot is secondary, but is not missed. I CANNOT LISTEN TO THIS NARRATOR! I don't know how the story is because I cannot.......tolerate listening....to......all his unnecessary. ......pauses. WORST NARRATOR EVER! Horrible performance This guy has a great voice but reads like an 8th grade theater student. He puts really inappropriate, dramatic inflection on random words. He ignores the punctuation marks of (pretty much) every single sentence and adds his own. I had to restart this simple, short book 3-4 times and ultimately gave up. No point in finishing it when everything sounds like gibberish. mmoki Would you try another book from Joseph Conrad and/or Alan Munro? I would order another book from Joseph Conrad, sure. However, Alan Munro is horrible. What didnt you like about Alan Munros performance? This is a horrible narration. The reader is hard to understand because his tone, pace, and style is off. This narration is one step above a computer-based reading program.

The Mysterious Island Audiobook by Jules Verne

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Jules Verne) — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 05:06:43 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Mysterious Island Author: Jules Verne Narrator: Berny Clark Format: Unabridged Length: 19 hrs and 35 mins Language: English Release date: 03-21-12 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 1164 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: Based on the true story of Alexander Selkirk, who survived alone for almost five years on an uninhabited island off the coast of Chile, The Mysterious Island is considered by many to be Jules Vernes masterpiece. Wide-eyed mid-nineteenth-century humanistic optimism in a breezy, blissfully readable translation by Stump (Kirkus Reviews), here is the enthralling tale of five men and a dog who land in a balloon on a faraway, fantastic island of bewildering goings-on and their struggle to survive as they uncover the islands secret. Editorial Reviews: This 19th-century adventure novel will delight Verne fans. As in other works by Verne the characters are ideal and the plot seems convenient rather than organic. Verne was not a scientist, but he was obsessed by all the scientific disciplines. Vernes novels are full of magical inventions and pseudo-scientific rhetoric. In The Mysterious Island, five men and a pooch land their balloon on an exotic island. They undertake to learn the secret of the place. Narrator Berny Clarks lively voice sings out the animated dialogue. His excited yet genteel tone makes the densely descriptive text sound lighter and less mannered. His voice sustains an energetic lilt throughout his performance of this lengthy and exhaustively sketched fiction. Members Reviews: Wonderful novel, mediocre translation I was excited to see an audiobook of The Mysterious Island, one of my favorite novels by Jules Verne. Berny Clark does a good job narrating the book. I'd love to give it five stars, but unfortunately the producers decided to use a mediocre 19th-century translation that renames three of the characters and cuts some of the main points from a certain life story that forms the climax of the novel. (If you haven't read it before, I won't say anything more than that; just remember, when you get to this point, that Verne's original text is far more radical politically than what you're listening to.) At least it's a mediocre translation and not a completely bungled one, unlike the "standard" version of 20,000 Leagues under the Sea or the "Hardwigg" version of Journey to the Center of the Earth. The story (apart from some of the political shading) is intact, and the story of this resolute band of escapees and their skin-of-their-teeth survival on the island has always been, for me, a compelling and gripping one. My three stars for the story are directed at the translation, not the original. I wish a different translation were used, but I'm glad to have it. Everything from nothing! It isn't very often that I finish an audiobook and walk around with a grin from ear to ear, chuckling. This book really grew on me and it was so much fun. I really enjoyed the characters and miss them now that the book is finished. First, what this book isn't. Do not expect a-thrill-a-minute pace, do not expect sea monsters, vampires, or zombies. Do not expect political correctness--think of where we were in the 70's, 1970's, that is. What this book is. It is a very well-done, old-fashioned survival tale. It is an all-male adventure that includes and all-knowing engineer and his African manservant, a seaman, a reporter, and a young teen boy. In addition, there is the indispensable dog, Top, and the orangutan, Joop, who wears a dinner jacket in his role as servant.

The Prince Audiobook by Niccolo Machiavelli

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Niccolo Machiavelli) — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 02:33:18 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Prince Author: Niccolo Machiavelli Narrator: Bill DeWees Format: Unabridged Length: 2 hrs and 53 mins Language: English Release date: 10-11-11 Publisher: Simply Media Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 93 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: The Prince is considered the all-time best book on political strategy. It has of late become a much-referred-to book for all competitive situations. Machiavelli's name is associated closely with his philosophy, as he well deserves. His other works are worth reading or hearing, as well, especially his Art of War and Belfagor: The Devil Who Took a Wife. Members Reviews: Historically interesting but requires Context The author makes many quite interesting points, but to understand the examples requires a lot of knowledge of the historical context. For someone not very well versed in the history and politics of sixteenth century Europe it is a challenge to understand the examples cited. The narration is good despite a few mispronunciations. While reading this book, one sees the continuing influence of this work on contemporary American politics. For people who just want a taste of The Prince, there are a few other selections that discuss the ideas without the need for deep historical context. A very timely revelation every man should make this book part of his must read, or listening agenda. I found it very revealing. Didn't live up to the hype, but still worth it. This book is overwhelmingly hyped up, but the majority of its contents is common sense if you've read any world history. However, if you haven't read any world history, it may still be a good read. But, for the price and length, being both low and short, it is not a bad option if only to familiarize yourself with a common reference. As for the narration, the narrator did a very good job. Problematic Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not? I would not recommend this version of Machiavelli's "The Prince." Other versions are probably better. The reader mispronounces most of the Italian names which are crucial to the text; why he was not given better coaching on this, I cannot imagine (he has difficulty with some English words as well). It's very distracting, and detracts from the work. Who was your favorite character and why? N/A Would you be willing to try another one of Bill DeWeess performances? No. Could you see The Prince being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be? No. masterpiece read too fast I like to enjoy my audiobooks while I am carrying some easy task, as preparing dinner. With this audiobook you must stop and actually concentrate on the reading because the reader is going so fast that your brain doesn't have the time to visualise the story. I wish I could slow it down

War and Peace, Volume 2 Audiobook by Leo Tolstoy

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Leo Tolstoy) — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 20:36:15 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: War and Peace, Volume 2 Author: Leo Tolstoy Narrator: Neville Jason Format: Unabridged Length: 31 hrs and 24 mins Language: English Release date: 04-27-07 Publisher: Naxos AudioBooks Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 1200 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: War and Peace is one of the greatest monuments in world literature. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars, it examines the relationship between the individual and the relentless march of history. Here are the universal themes of love and hate, ambition and despair, youth and age, expressed with a swirling vitality which makes the book as accessible today as it was when it was first published in 1869. In addition it is, famously, one of the longest books in Western literature and therefore a remarkable challenge for any reader. Neville Jason read the abridged version of War and Peace and proved his marathon powers with his outstanding performance of Proust's Remembrance of Things Past. These make him the ideal narrator to essay Tolstoy's epic. War and Peace was translated by Louise and Aylmer Maude. Critic Reviews: "War and Peace presents us with a complete picture of human life; a complete picture of the Russia of those days; a complete historic picture of the struggle of nations; and a complete picture of the things in which men set their happiness and greatness, their sorrow and their shame." (A.V. Knowles, Tolstoy: The Critical Heritage) "There remains the greatest of all novelists - for what else can we call the author of War and Peace?" (Virginia Woolf) Members Reviews: A long book, but at least the chapters are short Neville Jason does a good (but not great) job reading this longest of long books. The dialogue, as read, is more dynamic than the narration; and the men are voiced more effectively than the women. (Unfortunately, given the amount of time she spends "onscreen," I found Jason's reading of Natasha to be somewhat shrill.) The Frederick Davidson recording is more dynamic, but Davidson's voice seems to rub a lot of people the wrong way. Jason at least has a smooth and mellow voice, and his reading is clear and unhurried. This is the Maude translation, and Naxos (and Audible) get five stars for making it available in an attractive and accessible format. There are fourteen books in "War and Peace," plus an epilogue, and the recording is divided by book, with a chapter mark for each chapter: so it's very easy to find your way around and know exactly where you are in the story. The idea that you can get the whole thing for only two credits is amazing. The book is long, some 70 hours or more, but most of the chapters are short and full of absorbing detail. The chapters that aren't -- where Tolstoy lays out his philosophy of history, or summarizes some of the larger historical context from 50,000 feet -- can probably be skipped without great loss. (To oversimplify, Tolstoy basically seems to be saying that while individuals think they have free will in an individual sense, when you step back and look at events from a larger perspective you see that reality is overdetermined and that what happened was inevitable. He also suggests that the "great man" theory of history is seriously flawed, because all the kings of the earth can't do squat without the individual acts of every single pawn.) I realize that's heresy, but it would be better to get the story and skip the philosophy than to skip the book altogether. The story itself is incredible. Way to Go. This Way. If you are like me and have tried to read this book and given up , then this is the way to go.

Heidi Audiobook by Johanna Spyri

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Johanna Spyri) — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 02:27:23 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Heidi Author: Johanna Spyri Narrator: Marnie MacAdam Format: Unabridged Length: 8 hrs and 33 mins Language: English Release date: 10-11-08 Publisher: Brilliance Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 154 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: From the goatherder Peter and his family to the sickly girl Clara and her desperate father, Heidi's special charm enriches everyone she meets. Unselfish to the core, Heidi's goodness overcomes all obstacles - even those seemingly insurmountable. Remembered and loved as a child's story, Heidi remains a testimony of redemption and salvation for all ages. Uplifting and enjoyable, Heidi makes superior family listening. Members Reviews: Auditory quality not acceptable Any additional comments? This is a book I thought I knew, having been as a child exposed to the story more than once. Rereading it as an adult, expecting only to indulge my nostalgia, I was surprised by the richness of the description, the complexity of the characters, and interest of a good story well told. The book is well narrated -- good pace, good voice characterization for each of the characters. Unfortunately, the quality of the recording is very poor. For this reason alone I would never recommend it. I hope Audible reexamines and finds a way to salvage this otherwise excellent recording of a fine classic. Overly dramatic reading What disappointed you about Heidi? I love this story. How did the narrator detract from the book? The reader has ruined this classic tale by over dramatizing all the characters. It's to the point of distraction. My 9 year old, who loves books on tape, doesnt want to listen to Heidi because of the reading treatment. Minnesota accent for Swedish story. How did the narrator detract from the book? I really wanted to not mind the narration because this is my favourite translation of the book (vastly better than the other), but wow, she really is unusual. The narrator not only has a strong Minnesotan accent, but she made all the characters really excited all the time, and--most offensively--does the voices like characters out of Scooby-Doo. Seriously, I kept picturing the ordinarily respectable characters sounding like caricatures. Any additional comments? It's an lovely book. Sweet, calm and happy. Great story, needs better recording! I enjoyed the story however the recording seemed poor, whereas the reader being difficult to understand. I Waited Too Long to Read This This is one of the few times where I liked the movie better than the book. Not that the book was bad. I just didn't catch the vision of it. Perhaps I should have read it as a young person. I would probably have appreciated it more than I do now. I did get to see the movie with the irrepressible Shirley Temple multiple times as a child (we didn't have the capability of seeing a movie any time we wanted back then - had to wait until it came on TV, perhaps once every other year). I had a hard time believing in the deep relationship between Heidi and the Grandfather in the book, whereas the movie made it easy to see through him and into his heart. Just my observations. But I definitely think it is worth reading, especially if you are a youngster. As this book has been recorded by multiple narrators, i was careful to choose the one I thought was best. I thoroughly enjoyed Marnie MacAdam's narration. It was natural and engaging. Some of the others I listened to had annoying pronunciations that I could never have listened to over a long period of time. I'm glad I chose her.

Metamorphosis Audiobook by Franz Kafka

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Franz Kafka) — Thu, 04 Jan 2018 04:07:42 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Metamorphosis Subtitle: A BBC Radio 4 Reading Author: Franz Kafka Narrator: Benedict Cumberbatch Format: Abridged Length: 1 hr and 38 mins Language: English Release date: 01-04-18 Publisher: BBC Digital Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 16 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: Benedict Cumberbatch reads Franz Kafka's famous story of man-turned-insect, Metamorphosis. After a night of troubled dreams, Gregor Samsa wakes to discover that he has turned into a huge, monstrous, cockroach-like creature, with an armour-plated back and multiple limbs. Gradually, he comes to terms with his new state - but his parents and sister are horrified and increasingly revolted. To them, Gregor is unclean, verminous and entirely repellent, and as he becomes more and more of a burden, their horror turns to a terrible indifference.... First published in 1915, Kafka's surreal existential novella explores concepts such as the absurdity of life, alienation and the disconnect between mind and body. Read by Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock, Star Trek, The Imitation Game), this tale - often described as one of the greatest in the history of fiction - is chilling, captivating and darkly comic. Members Reviews: Enjoyed the narration more than the story. I found this a strange but interesting story, not something I would usually listen to but got because I am a big fan of Benedict. His narration is amazing, such a rich voice and i like how he gives the characters their own voices too. I dont think I completely understood the meaning of the story but enjoyed it nonetheless. Would definitely recommend to other Benedict fans, and would listen again just for the narration.

The Prince Audiobook by Niccolò Machiavelli

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Niccolò Machiavelli) — Thu, 07 Jul 2016 02:27:23 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Prince Author: Niccolò Machiavelli Narrator: David McCallion Format: Unabridged Length: 4 hrs and 1 min Language: English Release date: 07-07-16 Publisher: A.R.N. Publications Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 128 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: In an attempt to appeal to the Medici family during the Italian Renaissance, Machiavelli outlines the way to acquire and retain political power, and how great men should behave in a princely government. The book is divided into four parts - types of principalities and state, proper conduct of a prince as military leader, personal conduct of a prince, and the disparity of Italy's political situation. Many listeners will be able to see principals that Machiavelli advocates for are still used in many political systems today. Members Reviews: A great way to enjoy Machiavelli When studying the history of political and philosophical texts, The Prince is perhaps one of, if not the most, important in political realism. Where many of Niccol Machiavellis contemporaries, like Plato, focus on what the ideal government should be, Machiavelli focuses on how people are able to obtain and hold power, making his observations more realistic than those of Plato. Having read the print version in the past, I found this audio book version read by David McCallion is very easy to listen to. The proper British English adds to the narrative, fitting the Renaissance feel of the novel allowing the reader to fall into the story much more easily than just reading the text. Given the importance of this book in the history of political works, it is important to go through the text slowly, which McCallion achieves very well in his narration style, look no further this version will not disappoint you. A Very Interesting Read Machiavelli can be a bit confusing to those that do not have an understanding of some of the historical content within the book, but the principals he talks about are ones that people can certainly relate to centuries later. I definitely recommend giving this a listen as it gives you some great political insight, and the narration was wonderful and well paced. Now I know This allowed me to get a much better understanding of the principals Machiavelli was trying to relay. The reading was just a bit too melaton for me, but I get it! Terrible reader The reader read as though he did not understand the contents. Grating. Dumb. Completely unlistenable! masterful this was an interesting listen. I hope that some good can be gleaned from the wrong doers of the world!!

Les Misérables Audiobook by Victor Hugo

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Victor Hugo) — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 10:46:22 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Les Misérables Author: Victor Hugo Narrator: Bill Homewood Format: Unabridged Length: 67 hrs and 52 mins Language: English Release date: 04-29-15 Publisher: Naxos AudioBooks Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 214 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: Les Misérables is set in Paris after the French Revolution. In the sewers and backstreets, we encounter "the wolf-like tread of crime", and assassination for a few sous is all in a day's work. We weep with the unlucky and heart-broken Fantine, and we exult with the heroic revolutionaries of the barricades; but above all we thrill to the steadfast courage and nobility of soul of ex-convict Jean Valjean, always in danger from the relentless pursuit of the diabolical Inspector Javert. Translated by Isabel F. Hapgood Members Reviews: Could be five starts with re-engineering I couldn't figure out how to rate this one. It's a little odd giving the story and performance five stars and then giving the overall recording only three. I'll try to explain my thinking. This title could be a slam-dunk five stars all around. Bill Homewood is a brilliant narrator and captures Hugo's spirit as well as anyone. But the sound quality on the recording is poor: the bass is way too high, and his voice is muffled. That being said, earphones vary a lot, and it's possible to get earphones that flatten out the sound and improve the experience. But I listen to almost all books with the same standard-issue earphones because they're the only ones that stay in my ears; and almost all books are fine, especially with Audible's enhanced quality format. But not this one. So my three stars is kind of a warning. If you have the right earphones - ones that play up the treble, are better suited to voice, or somehow can flatten the bass - you could be in for a major treat. But if you use the earphones / ear buds / ear pods that came with your generic MP3 player or phone, this one may be hard to listen to. Terrible Audio quality Any additional comments? This is one of the all-time great stories and the reader does an amazing job sharing the story. Unfortunately the quality of the recording is terrible. I actually am trying to find a way to get refunded because the quality is so poor compared to all of the other books I have purchased and I cannot listen to it in most of the circumstances that I normally listen to my audio books. Anazing! The narrator for this book has a fascinating range and magically creates many clear voices. It could not be done better. This was my first read of Les Miserables. The unabridged sometimes went deeper into history and side tales than I expected but always came back to add depth to the story. If you don't have the patience for this the abridged may be a better option. Loved this book. Often could not put it down. An Extraordinary Journey I began listening to this audio book in the heat of a summer's day, in the middle of summer, and ended it today as a great snow falls, blanketing everything in white on a mid winter's afternoon in February, as the light fades from the sky. I feel profoundly blessed to have heard this story in it's entirety. Possibly one of the longest audio experiences I have ever had. It does have it's digressions at times, that feel like it it taking you out of the experience, but always seems to rebound to the grace and beauty of the story. The reader was extraordinary addling such life to the characters and events, and gives it such a French color. Granted I gave up on it several times and listened to other audio books in between, but something always drew me back.

Doctor Zhivago Audiobook

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Boris Pasternak) — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 08:41:13 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Doctor Zhivago Author: Boris Pasternak, Larissa Volokhonsky (translator), Richard Pevear (translator) Narrator: John Lee Format: Unabridged Length: 23 hrs and 23 mins Language: English Release date: 06-14-11 Publisher: Random House Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 262 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: In celebration of the 40th anniversary of its original publication, here is a new translation of the classic story of the life and loves of a poet/physician during the turmoil of the Russian Revolution. Taking his family from Moscow to what he hopes will be shelter in the Ural Mountains, Zhivago finds himself instead embroiled in the battle between the Whites and the Reds. Set against this backdrop of cruelty and strife is Zhivagos love for the tender and beautiful Lara: pursued, found, and lost again, Lara is the very embodiment of the pain and chaos of those cataclysmic times. Critic Reviews: "This new translation by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky is for the first time based on the authentic original text, reflects the present, deeper level of understanding of the great masterpiece of 20th century Russian literature and conveys its whole artistic richness with all its complexities and subtleties that had escaped the attention of the earlier translators and readers." (Lazar Fleishman, Professor of Russian Literature, Stanford University) "Without a doubt, their version will become the standard translation of the novel for years to come." (Barry Scherr, Mandel Family Professor of Russian, Dartmouth College) Members Reviews: Russian Philosophical Feast Any additional comments? This book is so much more than an epic historical love story, but I would never have picked up on it earlier in life. It is a Russian philosophical feast. The women in Zhivago's life clearly portray his feelings about Russia and the social changes that it went through. I'm amazed at how Pasternak was able to do this. The audio version was excellent because it provided a short intro that helped me with the magical /folktale part of the book, and then it had an afterword and a short history on Pasternak's life. Just be prepared for its typical Russian length and repetitiveness on theme / thought. Oh, and the love story is magnificent, too. Read it for history, not for story about Zhivago.. ... and Lara. This felt more like a history book than a novel. Of course, a well-written and lyrical history book, but still. Like many, I read this because I loved the movie. As others have mentioned, this is nothing like the movie. The primary goal of this novel, it seems, is to tell what life was like during the Revolution. The secondary, or maybe even tertiary, goal of this is to tell the stories of Zhivago and others. Found this very hard to follow. I have to put this book in the "glad I listened to it, but sure didn't enjoy it" category. I've listened to and enjoyed War and Peace, Anna Karenina, The Brothers Karamazov, and Crime and Punishment, so I'm not at all adverse to long, philosophical Russian novels. A wonderfully enjoyable read My first encounter with the novel was the 1957 Italian translation from the Russian, which I loved. When the 1958 English version came out I had a more difficult time with it, comparing it rather unfavorably with the Italian version. I am happy to say that this audiobook of the new English translation, read so beautifully, is remarkably similar to the Italian version. It's flowing descriptions of the era, sometimes shocking, rich use of language and sentimentality of the main characters are touching. It is a love story and a history of Russia at the beginning of the last century.

Remembrance of Things Past Audiobook by Marcel Proust, Scott Moncrieff - translator

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Marcel Proust) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 02:11:15 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Remembrance of Things Past Subtitle: Swann's Way Author: Marcel Proust, Scott Moncrieff - translator Narrator: John Rowe Format: Unabridged Length: 19 hrs and 44 mins Language: English Release date: 02-12-09 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 221 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: Exclusively from Audible Swann's Way is Marcel Proust's literary masterpiece and the first part of the multivolume audiobook Remembrance of Things Past. In the opening volume, the narrator travels back in time to recall his childhood and to introduce the listener to Charles Swann, a wealthy friend of the family and celebrity in the Parisian social scene. He again travels back, this time to the youth of Charles Swann in the French town of Combray, to tell the story of the love affair that took place before his own birth. The jealous love that Swann feels for the courtesan Odette, is a foretelling of the narrator's own future relationships. Proust paints an unforgettable, scathing and at times comic portrait of French society at the close of the 19th century and reveals a profound vision of obsessive love. The remarkable details from his memory are the fundamental triumph of the audiobook; details like his younger self's desperate need for a goodnight kiss from his mother. In 1922, Virginia Woolf marvelled, 'Oh if I could write like that!' Many adaptations have been made of Swann's Way including the 1984 English language film, Swann in Love, starring Jeremy Irons, and a graphic novel by French comic artist Stéphane Heuet that was first published in 1998. Narrator Biography Whilst training at the Birmingham School of Speech and Drama, John Rowe did his first radio plays for the BBC before spending several years acting in repertory theatre. He then joined the BBC's Radio Drama Company at Broadcasting House and after a three year stint on stage with the Prospect Company at The Old Vic he became a committed radio actor. He is well known for his role as Professor Jim Lloyd in The Archers. He has not only worked extensively in radio but also in television and film, as well as narrating many audiobooks, including Within a Budding Grove by Marcel Proust. His film appearances have included The Heart of Me (2002) and Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India (2001). He has most recently appeared on onscreen in the Netflix series The Crown (2016) and the BBC TV series Broken (2017). Members Reviews: EXCELLENT! Proust's writing is perfect and John Rowe's delivery is perfect. settle into Swann's Way (Pt. 1 and Pt 2) as though you were settling into a huge comfy chair with all the time in the world stretched out before you and you will NEVER regret the time spent listening to this version of volume 1 of In Search of Lost Time. to the contrary. you will quickly purchase the other volumes, cancel all appointments, turn off the phone, give up on facebook, and listen with awe and keen interest to John Rowe read Marcel Proust. what more could a book and an audiobook deliver?! the time is most definitely not lost. ohmygoodness. Perfect for walking One of the things I love about audiobooks is listening to them as I walk. I think this audiobook is perfectly suited to walking, as Proust is often describing his thoughts as he walks. I have downloaded other versions of Swan's way, but this one is the best. The narrator is a little fast sometimes, however given the length - this is not much of a problem. Overall, this is highly recommended and I have totally enjoyed it! What a pleasure! Having lost my energy to read Proust a couple of times in the past I am thrilled to have discovered the audible version.

The Plague Audiobook by Albert Camus

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Albert Camus) — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 11:23:23 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Plague Author: Albert Camus Narrator: James Jenner Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 55 mins Language: English Release date: 10-25-06 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 566 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: In the small coastal city of Oran, Algeria, rats begin rising up from the filth, only to die as bloody heaps in the streets. Shortly after, an outbreak of the bubonic plague erupts and envelops the human population. Albert Camus' The Plague is a brilliant and haunting rendering of human perseverance and futility in the face of a relentless terror born of nature. ©1947 Librairie Gallimard; (P)2006 Recorded Books Members Reviews: Translator Please! Please please list the translator for books that come from other languages. Who did the translation and when makes an enormous difference in what we are reading! It is hard to make a choice without this knowledge. In this case it is Stuart Gilbert, done in 1947 just as it was released in French. He renewed the copyright in 1975, presumably with some changes. But there is also a 2002 version by Robin Buss edited by Tony Judt -- so please, help us out here! It teaches the reader the value of patience. Interesting history and insights into human behavior but a tedious and labored read at best. However, it has its moments if the reader can "hang in there" long enough to find them. Brilliant as description and as metaphor Any additional comments? This is an amazing book. It works on so many levels. It is about plague itself, a topic of great interest in the Ebola, West Nile, and SARS era. It is about personal courage and duty. It is an exploration of human nature under stress. It addresses the nature of fate and individual response. It is about loyalty and friendship. It is also about how any plague spreads, be it viral, bacterial, or ideological. Camus writes with a sparse but pungent style. He is intensely unsentimental. This is not to everyone's taste but I found it penetrating and moving as well as profoundly insightful. The narration is excellent, capturing the subtleties of the various characters and situations. Not an easy book and not "fun" but extremely worthwhile. Great read This was one of the best reads I have had in a long time. I recommend this book to everyone. great book The writing of Camus has always been an inspiration for me and it was only made better by James Jenner's calm clear reading

The Modern Intellectual Tradition: From Descartes to Derrida Audiobook by The Great Courses

biacuaduc@gmail.com (The Great Courses) — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 18:50:32 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Modern Intellectual Tradition: From Descartes to Derrida Author: The Great Courses Narrator: Professor Lawrence Cahoone Format: Original Recording Length: 18 hrs and 45 mins Language: English Release date: 07-08-13 Publisher: The Great Courses Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 509 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: What is reality? Ask yourself whether you can actually know the answer, much less be sure that you can know it, and you've begun to grapple with the metaphysical and epistemological quandaries that have occupied, teased, and tormented modern philosophy's greatest intellects since the dawn of modern science and a century before the Enlightenment. These 36 lectures are the perfect introduction to the basics of modern and contemporary Western approaches to the philosophies of both reality (metaphysics) and knowledge (epistemology), right through the end of the 20th century. Led by Professor Cahoone, you'll partake in an engaging intellectual journey that encompasses prominent figures from all the major traditions of Western philosophy. You'll explore the ideas behind modern philosophy's most important movements, including dualism, rationalism, empiricism, idealism, existentialism, and postmodernism. You'll plunge into the thought of some of philosophy's most important thinkers, including Descartes, Locke, Spinoza, Hume, Kant, Hegel, Peirce, Nietzsche, James, Wittgenstein, Heidegger, Rorty, and Derrida, learning how many of them were in fact considered radicals, their views appreciated far less in their own era than in later ones. And you'll gain a clear sense of how each of these movements and thinkers fits into philosophy's broader progression, often pushing philosophy in dramatically new directions right up to the present day, as well as how philosophy is intimately related to a multitude of other disciplines. PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio. Members Reviews: Exceptional I majored in philosophy many years ago and have kept up with it on an enthuisiast's level since then. However, I truly learned more from this set of lectures than I have from any other source. I think I finally understand the morass that is 20th century philosophical thought. Professor Cahoone is an exceptional teacher - lucid, knowledgable without being verbose, thoughtful and serious. Without a doubt the best Great Course I've audited. Learn to answer the big three questions This is by far one of the best lectures I've ever heard. I'm not a philosopher. I avoided thinking most of my life. I made a mistake about a year ago and read Heidegger's "Being and Time". That completely hooked me. Now, I just have to understand our universe and our place in it. What is the order within the universe, what is our purpose and why are we here ('the three big questions"). These (or some variation of these) are the three questions that drive me and makes me want to stay alive. As for my reason for being it is to learn as much about the world as I can and this lecture series does that for me better than almost any book or Great Course has. The professor makes the point that he is only going to look at the Modern Philosophers who added to the field by adding on or subtracting from the other philosophers who came before them and thought differently from the others.

The Three Musketeers Audiobook by Alexandre Dumas

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Alexandre Dumas) — Thu, 24 May 2007 08:03:13 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Three Musketeers Author: Alexandre Dumas Narrator: Simon Vance Format: Unabridged Length: 22 hrs and 45 mins Language: English Release date: 05-24-07 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 742 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: When the dashing young D'Artagnon arrives in Paris from Gascony, he becomes embroiled in three duels with the Three Musketeers: Athos, Porthos, and Aramis. But when he proves himself by fighting not against, but with, the Three Musketeers, they form a quick and lasting friendship. The daring escapades of the four pit them against a master of intrigue, Cardinal Richelieu, and the quintessential wicked woman, Lady de Winter. Critic Reviews: "His plots are...rich in characters and adventures." ( Biographical Dictionary of Literary Influences) Members Reviews: More fun than a classic is supposed to be! It doesn't matter what century he hails from, Dumas writes a cracking good tale. His four musketeers are delightful, funny, and quirky. The plot bowls along and keeps you involved right up to the last minute. I think the thing that surprised me most about this book is the fact that no adaptation of it that I have seen (and I have seen many!) really stayed faithful to the plot all the way to the end. The same is true, of course, for the Count of Monte Cristo, and I am sure it is because in both cases the hero does not end up with the heroine, at least, not the one we are expecting! But Dumas has such cinematic pacing that it hardly matters! We are swept along with the heroes and love every minute. Simon Vance is the king of narrators ~ he's just a master ~ and you will love the whole experience, I promise. A brilliant read. This is one of my all-time favorite classics. Dumas has a real gift for portraying fallible human nature with humor and insight. The narrator does a great job capturing the characters- d'Artangnan's exuberance, Porthos' thick bluster, Athos' nobility. Dumas, the grandson of French nobility and son of one of Napolean's generals, has captured 17th-Century French sensibilities and the intrigues of court, courting, and swashbucklery. The narrative is witty and smart. I blame Disney, et al, for the cheapening of this wonderful, classic work of fiction. I've probably read this book five times and listened to it once, and no doubt will again. Two thumbs up- way up! Adventure A rip-roaring adventure, filled with intrigue and humor, and read with style by Simon Vance. This is one of my favorite audiobooks. Everything You'd Expect...Which is A Good Thing Maybe its because Ive seen the 1973 Oliver Reed / Michael York / Frank Findlay / Richard Chamberlain movie repeatedly since high school. Maybe its because, unlike The Count of Monte Cristo, this story is set in the more distant past, a past that has been defined and mythologized in the popular imagination (mine included) by this very story. Or maybe its just that, for all it has in common with Monte Cristoopulence, flamboyance, high dramathis is first and foremost an unapologetically adventuresome adventure story. Whatever the reason, I popped in the ear buds, revved up the mower (or stepped on the train home from work, or cleaned the kitchen) and just enjoyed myself. I didnt expect to be moved mightily and I wasnt. I didnt expect to be overawed by a tour-de-force of the writers art and I wasnt. I did expect to be entertained, and I was, handsomely. This is not to say I didnt feel a thrill when Athos secret was revealed or cringe at the gradual, artful seduction of Lieutenant Felton or feel empathy for dArtagnans grief.

Notes from the Underground Audiobook by Fyodor Dostoevsky

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Fyodor Dostoevsky) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 11:19:29 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Notes from the Underground Author: Fyodor Dostoevsky Narrator: Simon Vance Format: Unabridged Length: 4 hrs and 21 mins Language: English Release date: 10-09-09 Publisher: christianaudio.com Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 185 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: In this work, we follow the unnamed narrator of the story, who, disillusioned by the oppression and corruption of the society in which he lives, withdraws from that society into the underground. A dark and politically charged novel, Notes From Underground is Dostoyevsky at his best. Members Reviews: Awful hero, great narrator Another in Dostoevsky's line of repulsive (but immediately recognizable) main characters. The Underground Man is someone you want to grab by the collar and shake till his teeth rattle. Simon Vance (as usual) gives a superb performance. insights that transcend time Loved it. Why can't every authour write as well, or, at the least, use Dostoevsky as a measuring stick for their own plots, styles and themes? And such themes--of truth, of character, of love, hate, ideology and motives. 'Notes' has insights that are more contemporary than most self-help books written only last week: timeless. And an Anti-Hero that readers can use as a measuring stick of symptoms to identify in one's own psyche. Could there have been a Breaking Bad without this authour's formulation of the seminal, negative (yet honest to a fault) existential protagonist? great book, great narration my favorite Dostoyevsky read by, now my favorite narrator, Simon Vance. Mr Vance makes this novella a whole experience. Am looking forward to another listen in the near future, this time it won't be Dostoyevsky bringing me back for more, it'll be Simon Vance. Works pretty well as an audiobook Thanks partially to the story itself, and partially to the narration, this audiobook is very listenable and not a bad way to digest some Dostoyevsky. There are a minimal number of characters (so you need not memorize dozens of Russian names which might be indistinguishable to most anglophone ears). And Simon Vance narrates the prose wonderfully, perfectly modulating his performance over the span of the work. Very Thought Provoking I must confess, I adore Dostoevsky's novels, and this does not have the same feel or excitement as they do. If you want to touch upon only ONE Dostoevsky book, I'd suggest you choose "Crime and Punishment" or "The Brothers Karamasov" instead. They may be longer, but I actually found them to be much quicker and more fascinating reads. That said, THIS is still a remarkably well written and intriguing book, and well worth your time. It is not pleasant, but that is part of the point. It challenges us, and hopefully helps us to grow in the process.

Crime and Punishment (Recorded Books Edition) Audiobook by Fyodor Dostoevsky

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Fyodor Dostoevsky) — Tue, 17 Oct 2000 12:47:12 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Crime and Punishment (Recorded Books Edition) Author: Fyodor Dostoevsky Narrator: George Guidall Format: Unabridged Length: 25 hrs and 5 mins Language: English Release date: 10-17-00 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1995 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: Fyodor Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment is universally regarded as one of literature's finest achievements, as the great Russian novelist explores the inner workings of a troubled intellectual. Raskolnikov, a nihilistic young man in the midst of a spiritual crisis, makes the fateful decision to murder a cruel pawnbroker, justifying his actions by relying on science and reason, and creating his own morality system. Dehumanized yet sympathetic, exhausted yet hopeful, Raskolnikov represents the best and worst elements of modern intellectualism. The aftermath of his crime and Petrovich's murder investigation result in an utterly compelling, truly unforgettable cat-and-mouse game. This stunning dramatization of Dostoevsky's magnum opus brings the slums of St. Petersburg and the demons of Raskolnikov's tortured mind vividly to life. Editorial Reviews: George Guidall's performance of this literary classic transports the audience to the slums of St. Petersburg and deep into the mind of Rodion Raskolnikov, a young Russian intellectual. Raskolnikov murders an old woman, a money-lender and pawn-broker he considers repugnant. He reasons that he'll repay his crimes with good deeds. Although he justifies the murder using reason and intellect, he is ultimately consumed by guilt. Crime and Punishment is one of the most influential works of literature in the world. Guidall's tremulous voice captures the severity and suspense of this story, making this an unforgettable experience for the listener. Critic Reviews: "The novels of Dostoevsky are seething whirlpools...which hiss and boil and suck us in. They are composed purely and wholly of the stuff of the soul." (Virginia Woolf) Members Reviews: Wonderful Book I have attempted to read this book twice in the past, both times past the halfway point. Each time I added a much more painful tone to the book than the narrator did in his reading. This meant that I stopped reading the book because it was too mentally overwhelming. However, the narrator reads this book well, both adding more characterization than I did myself and providing a way to seperate characters. The 24 hours went by quickly and found it didn't seem like a long book at all. Crime and Punishment is a beautiful novel of suffering, pride, hope, redemption, and guilt. Through Dostoevsky's Brothers Karamozov and this novel I have considered all those themes much differently in my life. Masterful narration of a masterpiece I have read Dostoevsky's masterpiece in the past and wanted to reread it but considered it a huge chore. Instead, I decided to listen to George Guidall's rendition because of my past enjoyment of his amazing gift as a catalyst between the written word and the spoken word.. The audiobook immediately captured my interest and attention in a way that reading the book never did. Guidall made the characters come alive.

Vanity Fair Audiobook by William Makepeace Thackeray

biacuaduc@gmail.com (William Makepeace Thackeray) — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 03:13:00 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Vanity Fair Author: William Makepeace Thackeray Narrator: John Castle Format: Unabridged Length: 31 hrs and 6 mins Language: English Release date: 02-09-09 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 494 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: Exclusively from Audible Set during the time of the Napoleonic Wars, this classic gives a satirical picture of a worldly society. The audiobook revolves around the exploits of the impoverished but beautiful and devious Becky Sharp who craves wealth and a position in society. Calculating and determined to succeed, she charms, deceives and manipulates everyone she meets. A story of early 19th-century English society, it takes its title from the place designated as the centre of human corruption in John Bunyan's 17th-century allegory Pilgrim's Progress. Receiving popular and critical success on first publication, the novel is considered Thackeray's masterpiece, and this satire of society is as relevant now as when it first appeared. In 2003, Vanity Fair was listed at Number 122 on the BBC's The Big Read poll of the UK's best-loved books. Thackeray was born in Calcutta in 1811. After his father's death, he was sent to be educated in England at five years old, while is mother remarried in India. The canings and abuses he received in private boarding schools formed a basis for some of his work as did the culture of Anglo-Indians which also featured prominently. Narrator Biography After training at RADA, John's professional career began in 1964 at the Regent's Park Theatre. Film credits include Michelangelo Antonioni's Blow Up, The Lion in Winter, Man of La Mancha, King David, Antony and Cleopatra, Robocop 2 and The Sparrow. Theatre credits include Bloody Sunday (The Tricycle Theatre), Claudius in Hamlet (National Theatre), Rat in the Skull (Duke of York's Theatre), End Game (Tron Theatre, Glasgow), Shylock in The Merchant of Venice (London Shakespeare Group), Infidelities (The Boulevard Theatre), and Breaking the Code (The Comedy Theatre). Television credits include Tracate Middoth, The Fixer, Spooks, Poirot, Silent Witness, The Holocaust on Trial, Casualty, Princes in the Tower, Gods and Generals, Fight Against Slavery, Ben Hall, I, Claudius, The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, and Lillie. Members Reviews: A book that was meant to be read aloud! The narrator for this book was born to give us the beauty of the spoken words of Thackeray. There is no better way to follow the escapades of the characters of Vanity Fair! Wonderful Narration The narrator of this story is quite easy to listen to and has a very engaging voice and tone. Highly recommended! The Best Narration, One of the Greats I agree with the reviewer who said that John Castle was born to narrate this book. I don't think his performance can be bettered. I had no idea that Vanity Fair was so good, or that Thackeray was such an interesting writer. It's hard to be in Dicken's shadow, I suppose. This was a great buy. Fun Book, Incredible Narrator This classic is wonderfully written--insightful and extremely funny and entertaining. If all narrators could be as fabulous as John Castle, how happy I would be. He's a true actor who gives the characters their own voices, and his accents are spot on.

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea Audiobook by Jules Verne

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Jules Verne) — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 20:12:06 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea Author: Jules Verne Narrator: James Frain Format: Unabridged Length: 14 hrs and 55 mins Language: English Release date: 08-09-11 Publisher: Listening Library Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 647 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: An American frigate, tracking down a ship-sinking monster, faces not a living creature but an incredible invention - a fantastic submarine commanded by the mysterious Captain Nemo. Suddenly a devastating explosion leaves just three survivors, who find themselves prisoners inside Nemo's death ship on an underwater odyssey around the world from the pearl-laden waters of Ceylon to the icy dangers of the South Pole... as Captain Nemo, one of the greatest villians ever created, takes his revenge on all society. More than a marvelously thrilling drama, this classic novel, written in 1870, foretells with uncanny accuracy the inventions and advanced technology of the twentieth century and has become a literary stepping-stone for generations of science fiction writers. Members Reviews: Anthony Bonner!! James Frain gives a wonderful reading of Verne's masterpiece. He captures Aronnax's sense of wonder, Ned Land's anger, Nemo's passionate devotion to the sea. It's Verne with a slight touch of Yorkshire: Frain's Ned Land sounds more like Sean Bean than Kirk Douglas. No complaints here, though: his voice is rich, steady, and crystal clear. Even more reason for celebration is the fact that Listening Library - which produced Jim Dale's excellent "Around the World in 80 Days" a few years ago - chose to use the translation by Anthony Bonner. This was first published by Bantam in 1962 and was reissued with some corrections in 2003. This is one of the most complete versions of Verne's novel available in English and is a remarkably fluent translation. (There are more recent translations that are more meticulously accurate - for instance, those by William Butcher, F.P. Walter, and Walter James Miller - but Bonner did a bang-up job, one of the first to deliver Verne's whole novel rather than a hacked-up abridgement, and it's still one of my favorites.) (There is only one other audio version of this book that is even remotely complete, the Recorded Books production read by Norman Dietz. I enjoy Dietz, but the anonymous translation used there, even though it IS the whole novel, is an awkward one with an unfortunate tendency toward literalism.) If you're a Verne fan, you HAVE to get this. If you've listened to one of the other audio versions of this novel and came away unimpressed, give it another try with this one. I can practically guarantee you'll be pleasantly surprised. Then and Now; Still a Whale of a Tale First published in 1869 by French author Jules Verne (whom received writing advice from both Hugo and Dumas). Some scholars say that Jules Verne fathered science fiction, others say he introduced steampunk; many people's only knowledge of Jules Verne comes from the Disney movie adaptations of Verne's novels. Which may not be a bad thing, (they made the jump to screen wonderfully...gosh, didn't we love the big crabs and squids, the hot-air balloons, the volcanoes, and the ocean and sun in the middle of the earth?) but it is hardly the same thing as experiencing the true tone of his books; dated, but still sparkling with imagination that is entertaining reading. Verne intended this book to be more science-that-was-fiction -- than Disney's fiction-that-tried-to-be-science.

The Scarlet Pimpernel Audiobook by Baroness Orczy

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Baroness Orczy) — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 17:49:26 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Scarlet Pimpernel Author: Baroness Orczy Narrator: Stephen Crossly Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 3 mins Language: English Release date: 01-31-13 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 183 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: The French Revolution is at the height of its fury. Daily, hundreds of aristocratic heads fall from the guillotine. Emotions run high, and anyone suspected of sympathy toward the nobility is in mortal danger. Only one man is daring enough to lead a small band against popular opinion - the Scarlet Pimpernel. Using masterful disguises and clever strategies, the Scarlet Pimpernel smuggles noblemen and women from France to safety in England. His success is a thorn in the side of the Revolution. As he vanishes from each escapade, he leaves no trace behind except an image of the colorful flower that is his emblem. The Scarlet Pimpernel must be stopped at all costs. But who is he? This enduring classic is filled with wonderful layers of intrigue and dashing courage. As the cunning hero, and the beautiful woman who loves him, move toward a final victory, the quickened pace is enhanced by Steven Crossleys dramatic narration. Members Reviews: A great classic to listen to! Great story - narrator did a good job in personifying the various characters. Only slightly bit of irritation is narrator often had to swallow now and then a little too close to the mic (but it was well read overall). The Scarlet Pimpernel, title of series for a reaso What did you love best about The Scarlet Pimpernel? The setting, characters, the fact it turned out to be as much a romance as an adventure. What other book might you compare The Scarlet Pimpernel to and why? Other in the series, but not all. Those that concentrate on the main characters, in fact those that have the main characters in them. Did the narration match the pace of the story? The narration was good, done by a men, however he did Marguerite with a French accent. In all productions I have seen or hear she has never had a French accent. It was most distracting. Spoiled the narration. Yes I know she is French but just sounds better without the accent. Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry? I love the book and have read it before and although the narration was good at time's Marguerite French accent was disturbing. Any additional comments? Would recommend the book not this audio version. Sink me, if this isn't a fantastic read! If you could sum up The Scarlet Pimpernel in three words, what would they be? Betrayal, Fox-Spies, and love. Which character as performed by Stephen Crossly was your favorite? Chauvelin was by far my favorite, but Percy and Marguerite were both done fantastically well. I think this is my favorite portrayal of them. Stephen Crossly is a wonderful reader, and! He is one of the few readers to voice Lady Marguerite, who is French, with a French accent. Wonderful! If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be? When faced with an impossible choice...what would you choose? Any additional comments? Very much a wonderful listen. I'm more than pleased with this book. Fantastic! What a pleasure to listen to! By far the very best narration of The Scarlet Pimpernel that I've listened to. This is my first audiobook from Stephen Crossly, but it certainly won't be my last. I'll be listening to this one again and again. Well read. Good, wholesome, fun. Lovely accents and voices. A bit and expectedly dramatic, and unexpectedly antimodern.

Great Minds of the Western Intellectual Tradition, 3rd Edition Audiobook by The Great Courses

biacuaduc@gmail.com (The Great Courses) — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 15:26:13 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Great Minds of the Western Intellectual Tradition, 3rd Edition Author: The Great Courses Narrator: Professor Alan Charles Kors, Professor Darren Staloff, Professor Dennis Dalton, Professor Douglas Kellner Format: Original Recording Length: 43 hrs and 43 mins Language: English Release date: 07-08-13 Publisher: The Great Courses Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 430 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: For 3,000 years, mankind has grappled with fundamental questions about life. What is real? Who or what is God? When is it legitimate for one person to have power over others? What is justice? Beauty? This 84-lecture, 12-professor tour of Western philosophical tradition covers more than 60 of history's greatest minds and brings you a comprehensive survey of the history of Western philosophy from its origins in classical Greece to the present. It took 3,000 years for the debate chronicled in these lectures to reach maturity. With this series of lectures, you can encompass it by the end of next month. You'll travel chronologically through the history of the Western world, charting the intriguing development of Western philosophy and drawing fascinating connections between thinkers separated by the gulf of time and space. You'll acquaint yourself with the Greek Pre-Socratics (the world's first scientific thinkers) and examine in detail the insights of three towering figures: Socrates, his student Plato, and Plato's student, Aristotle. You'll examine the contributions to philosophy from biblical traditions and the great minds of the Christian age. Then, you'll mark the critical schism that developed between the claims of faith and those of science and participate in the breathless discovery found during the Enlightenment, which reveled in the new freedom of human potential and scientific expansion. You'll study the provocative philosophical responses (by the Existentialists and others) to the challenges raised by the new scientific consciousness. And you'll conclude with an overview of the work of Derrida and other late 20th-century philosophers and theorists. The full list of lecturers includes Professors Alan Charles Kors, Darren Staloff, Dennis Dalton, Douglas Kellner, Jeremy Adams, Jeremy Shearmur, Kathleen M. Higgins, Louis Markos, Mark Risjord, Phillip Cary, Robert C. Solomon, and Robert H. Kane. PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio. Members Reviews: A high-quality, college course without text or ref What made the experience of listening to Great Minds of the Western Intellectual Tradition, 3rd Edition the most enjoyable? The breadth was quite strong until the later half of the eighteenth century. Up to that point, the impact of non-philosophical thought was given reasonable consideration: Copernicus and Newton for example. However, the impact and, to some degree, the writings of Darwin, Einstein, Heisenberg and Hubble, to name a few, were left out as the narrative focused more narrowly on work more explicitly labeled as modern philosophy. What did you like best about this story? The sense of continuity. It would have been unsurprising for a lengthy series of lectures by so many distinct academics to seem disjoint. This did not. Numerous references are made to previous lectures and far more to previous topics in a remarkably consistent fashion. Did the narration match the pace of the story? One of the speakers gave the impression of being in a rush, needing to fit as much as possible in to the available time.

Dante's Divine Comedy Audiobook by The Great Courses

biacuaduc@gmail.com (The Great Courses) — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 19:46:04 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Dante's Divine Comedy Author: The Great Courses Narrator: Professor Ronald B. Herzman, Professor William R. Cook Format: Original Recording Length: 12 hrs and 20 mins Language: English Release date: 07-08-13 Publisher: The Great Courses Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 394 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: Professors Cook and Herzman provide you with an illuminating introduction to one of the greatest works ever written. One of the most profound and satisfying of all poems, The Divine Comedy (or Commedia) of Dante Alighieri is a book for life. In a brilliantly constructed narrative of his imaginary guided pilgrimage through the three realms of the Christian afterlife, Dante accomplished a literary task of astonishing complexity. But the full achievement of the Commedia goes beyond anything merely literary. In these twenty-four lectures, as you follow Dante on his journey, you'll learn how medieval literature offers insights into fundamental questions: What is the quality of our moral actions? How does spiritual transformation come about? What is the nature of good and evil, virtue and vice, sin and sanctity? Why is the world so full of strife? How do we go on when we lose the things we love? You'll discover why, in the centuries since the Commedia was written, not one of these questions has lost its force. Moreover, you'll hear Dante address them in a demanding and innovative Italian verse form (terza rima) that makes the Commedia one of the great virtuoso pieces of world literature. With the guidance of these two master professors, you'll learn invaluable background information on Dante's life and times; why Dante wrote the Commedia; how to approach the various English editions available; and how each part of the poem is connected to what has come before. But above all, you'll understand why the Commedia is not a puzzle to be solved or a book to be read and put aside-but a mystery whose beauty and richness is to be constantly savored. PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio. Members Reviews: The Commedia for Modern Readers Would you listen to Dante's Divine Comedy again? Why? Yes I will definitely listen to this again. Its chalk full of information on the symbolism, characters, and political climate that existed in Italy around the time Dante wrote the Commedia. The first listen has given me an over view of the work. I will go back to fill in the details with my own copy of the translation so that I can experience the work as it was meant to be experienced. What did you like best about this story? Dante's "Divine Comedy" is a classic that is somewhat inaccessible to many readers today who don't have a degree in Italian history, politics and art. This presentation cuts through all that and allow everyone to access the themes and meanings in the work. The poem is presented line by line with descriptions of every line and character. Its provides an excellent way for a modern reader to enjoy this extraordinary work. What about Professor Ronald B. Herzman and Professor William R. Cook s performance did you like? The performance is presented in a clear and easy to listen to lecture format. Its broken down into 30 minute sessions which are excellent for the drive into work so its easy to bring Dante along. Incredible, best audio course I have ever taken I was really caught off guard by how enlightening this course was. The authors immediately dispel the common perception of the Comedia as some kind of poetic revenge fantasy and break through to the core of Dante's vision.

Don Quijote de la Mancha Audio Libro por Miguel de Cervantes

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Miguel de Cervantes) — Thu, 15 Jun 2017 00:18:25 GMT

Escuche este audio libro completo gratis en https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> Título: Don Quijote de la Mancha Autor: Miguel de Cervantes Narrador: Eladio Ramos, Jesús Ramos Formato: Unabridged Duración: 37 hrs and 50 mins Idioma: Español Fecha de publicación: 06-15-17 Editor: Audiomol Calificaciones: 5 de 5 de 8 votos Categorías: Classics, European Literature Resumen del editor: Tras saber que el Turco baja por la costa con una peligrosa armada, Don Alonso Quijano, el caballero don Quijote de la Mancha, saldrá, una vez más, y con la oposición de su sobrina y de su ama, a una nueva batalla que empezará en la Mancha y terminará en. Please note: This audiobook is in Spanish. Opiniones de los miembros: Viva el Quijote! Tan valeroso como discreto! Una obra, experiencia y narración sin igual. El Quijote de Cervantes bien vive y seguirá viviendo por los siglos venideros, rejuveneciendo las sonrisas de la gente y tocando el corazón de los hombres. Jesús y Eladio Ramos ofrecen una narración tan discreta y buena como pomposa y sutil.

Don Quijote de la Mancha Audio Libro por Miguel de Cervantes

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Miguel de Cervantes) — Fri, 12 Jul 2013 00:50:15 GMT

Escuche este audio libro completo gratis en https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> Título: Don Quijote de la Mancha Autor: Miguel de Cervantes Narrador: Aurora de la Iglesia del Prado Formato: Unabridged Duración: 34 hrs and 12 mins Idioma: Español Fecha de publicación: 07-12-13 Editor: Trout Lake Media Calificaciones: 4.5 de 5 de 126 votos Categorías: Classics, European Literature Resumen del editor: Publicada su primera parte con el título de El ingenioso hidalgo don Quijote de la Mancha a comienzos de 1605, es una de las obras más destacadas de la literatura española y la literatura universal, y una de las más traducidas. En 1615 aparecería la segunda parte del Quijote de Cervantes con el título de El ingenioso caballero don Quijote de la Mancha.Don Quijote fue la primera obra genuinamente desmitificadora de la tradición caballeresca y cortés, por el tratamiento burlesco que da a la misma. Representa la primera obra literaria que se puede clasificar como novela moderna y también la primera novela polifónica, y como tal, ejerció un influjo abrumador en toda la narrativa europea posterior. En el año 2002 y a petición del Norwegian Book Club se realizó una lista con las mejores obras literarias de la historia. Ésta sería realizada con las votaciones de 100 grandes escritores de 54 nacionalidades distintas, apareciendo las obras en estricto orden alfabético, para que no prevaleciese ninguna obra sobre otra, pero por unanimidad se hizo una excepción con "Don Quixote" que encabezó la lista siendo citada como "el mejor trabajo literario jamás escrito". Please note: This audiobook is in Spanish. Opiniones de los miembros: Mala producción La historia es un clásico, la narradora excelente, sin embargo la grabación adolece de cuidado, muchas repeticiones a lo largo de la hiatoria, pero el capitulo 99 es insufrible, se insertó crudo, sin haberlo revisado ni editado El audio no está editado En la mayoría de los capítulos puede escucharse a la narradora repitiendo algún enunciado o equivocándose de palabra. Esto no es culpa de la narradora, por supuesto. Es culpa de quien haya tenido que revisar/editar el audio. En uno de los capítulos, la narradora lee TODO al menos nos veces e incluso se le puede escuchar aclarándose la garganta o cambiando de hoja. Esto fue muy molesto y es una pena porque la narradora es muy buena, y no se diga la historia. El libro más importante y extraordinario en Español Con justificada razón este es el libro fundamental de la literatura en edpañol. Es incomparable e imperdible El relato y lectura son buenos, pero en el capítulo 99 hay errores de edicion, repeticiones y mal trabajo de edicion que deberían corregir Muy bueno En uno de los capítulos quedó grabado al narrador tosiendo y en tres o cuatro se repite una oración. Pero, a parte de eso, muy buena narración. Speed Reading is no way to listen to Don Q What would have made Don Quijote de la Mancha better? A proper narration of the work would have made all the difference. The recording seems to have been compressed, using audio manipulation software. I'm not an expert in these matters, but I bet that is what they have done. The reading begins in a wonderful way, but soon the sentences begin to rush by, without pause. And, this is not a non native speaker complaining about the rapidity with which native speakers are conversing. I have listened, with delight, to many audio books in Spanish. This is one is different. It is like listening to a radio pitch-man as he/she speed-reads a phone book. The presentation is robot like.

The Count of Monte Cristo Audiobook by Alexandre Dumas

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Alexandre Dumas) — Wed, 24 May 2006 13:57:48 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Count of Monte Cristo Author: Alexandre Dumas Narrator: David Case Format: Abridged Length: 17 hrs and 19 mins Language: English Release date: 05-24-06 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 269 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: While locked away, Edmond learns from another prisoner, Abbe Faria, of a secret treasure hidden on the island of Monte Cristo. Faria teaches Edmond history, science, languages, and philosophy, turning him into a well-rounded individual. Edmond concocts a daring and audacious plan: escape and find the treasure. But years pass before Edmond can escape. Once he does, he transforms himself into the Count of Monte Cristo and launches his plan for revenge against those who imprisoned him. Alexandre Dumas was one of the most famous and prolific French writers of the 19th century, producing some 250 books. He is best known for his historical novels The Three Musketeers and The Count of Monte Cristo, and was among the first authors to fully exploit the possibilities of roman feuilleton, or "serial novel". Dumas is credited with revitalizing the historical novel in France. His works are riveting, fast-paced adventure tales that blend history and fiction. As a master of dialog and character development, Dumas composed some of the most emulated teaser scenes for his suspenseful chapter endings. Members Reviews: Excellent story superbly narrated Although this is an "abridged" version, it appears that it is abridged not so much to shorten the novel but to move it along. It remains an essentially full length novel. It is also expertly narrated by David Case/Frederick Davidson who is one of the best narrators in terms of range of characters and emotion. Couldn't handle the unabridged version Wish I'd have gotten this one first. With the 47 hour unabridged version my mind got lost and overloaded. A Classic This was one of those "I want to get to this someday..." books, and now I've gotten to it. I'm glad I did. If you're not familiar with the story, a quick summary: Edmund Dantes is unjustly imprisioned in the Chateau d'If, where he falls in with a fellow prisoner who knows of a vast hidden treasure on the islet of Monte Cristo. After his escape, Dantes finds the treasure, purchases the title of Count of Monte Cristo and seeks to pay back his old friends....and his old enemies. [There's a lot more to it than this, of course.] It's very well written and a very well-done tale. Romance, adventure, revenge, it's all here. I have a few minor quibbles, but they really are minor: 0. The editing it a bit glichy in places. Sometimes, instead of a pause between sentencesthenext sentence jumps right on top of the previous one. 1. Yes, it's long and yes, it bogs down in a few places, but not to the point of being intolerable. [That's one advantage to an audiobook...if it bogs down for a chapter or two, you can just wait it out.] David Case's narration is good without being great. Dialogs, in particular, become hard to follow at times. Not bad but surprised this is such a classic Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not? This was a good listen but I would definitely recommend the abridged version. I started with the other version, got 20 hours in and had enough. That included using the speed filters. At the same time, my brother is reading this book. I picked up his version and read the back cover. The review was actually very unflattering and in the end, I agree.

Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea Audiobook by Jules Verne

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Jules Verne) — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 02:49:35 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea Author: Jules Verne Narrator: Peter Husmann Format: Unabridged Length: 18 hrs and 44 mins Language: English Release date: 01-24-13 Publisher: Trout Lake Media Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1399 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: Jules Vernes classic underwater tale. A mysterious sea monster, theorized by some to be a giant narwhal, is sighted by ships of several nations; an ocean liner is also damaged by the creature. The United States government finally assembles an expedition to track down and destroy the menace. Professor Pierre Aronnax, a noted French marine biologist and narrator of the story, master harpoonist Ned Land, and Aronnax's faithful assistant Conseil join the expedition. After much fruitless searching, the monster is found, and the ship charges into battle. During the fight, the ship's steering is damaged, and the three men are thrown overboard. They find themselves stranded on the "hide" of the creature, only to discover to their surprise that it is a large metal construct. They are quickly captured and brought inside the vessel, where they meet its enigmatic creator and commander, Captain Nemo. Members Reviews: A classic that everyone should read. This book was $2, and well worth it. I read the book 20 years ago, but decided to listen to it again. Buy the book and don't use the credit though. It will be the best $2 you spend on audible. Written over 100 years ago it accurately predicts submarines, deep sea diving and other technologies. The narration by Peter Hausmann is great and the story can't be beat. I could write more, but at $2 try it for yourself. A difficult story plagued by a terrible reader This experience probably would have been much more enjoyable with a different reader. Verne can already be a little dull especially once he starts going off on his lists of every creature that swims, floats, or crawls through the ocean, or the average salinity of any given body of water, but Husmann's monotone almost metallic reading made it almost unbearable. I questioned several times if it was a robot reading but the occasional wheezing assured me there was in fact a human behind the mic. The pauses between chapters were also incredibly long, so much so, that I would check to see if my player had stopped every time. The story is a classic but not my favorite. If you must read a Verne book I suggest "The Mysterious Island".If you must read this book I suggest any other recording. Great translation, so-so narration I tried very hard to like this audiobook, because it uses the best public domain translation of Verne's masterpiece currently available: the first version of F. P. Walter's translation, which is available on Gutenberg and elsewhere. (Walter has since re-translated the book in a copyrighted anthology called "Amazing Journeys: Five Visionary Classics." This anthology is THE place to start if you're just getting interested in Verne. It's available from Amazon in both paper and Kindle versions and includes many illustrations from the original French editions.) Walter's translation is clear, accurate, and idiomatic. Unfortunately, Peter Husmann's narration falls short on a couple of key points. First - and I admit this may be subjective - he sounds like he's outside the novel looking in, rather than "inhabiting" it. His tone is slightly condescending, as if he's talking down to the listener. He's reading the book out loud, not telling the story. It may be that this was a conscious choice aimed at making the book more accessible to younger readers, but I didn't enjoy it.

El principito Audio Libro por Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Antoine de Saint-Exupéry) — Mon, 16 Jun 2014 18:42:51 GMT

Escuche este audio libro completo gratis en https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> Título: El principito Autor: Antoine de Saint-Exupéry Narrador: Borja Rodríguez Formato: Unabridged Duración: 1 hr and 38 mins Idioma: Español Fecha de publicación: 06-16-14 Editor: Audiomol Calificaciones: 4.5 de 5 de 129 votos Categorías: Classics, European Literature Resumen del editor: El principito habita un pequeñísimo asteroide, que comparte con una flor caprichosa y tres volcanes. Pero tiene "problemas" con la flor y empieza a experimentar las soledad. Hasta que decide abandonar el planeta en busca de un amigo. Buscando esa amistad recorre varios planetas, habitados sucesivamente por un rey, un vanidoso, un borracho, un hombre de negocios, un farolero, un geógrafo. El concepto de "seriedad" que tienen estas "personas mayores" le deja perplejo y confuso. Prosiguiendo su búsqueda llega al planeta Tierra, pero, en su enorme extensión y vaciedad, siente más que nunca la soledad. Una serpiente le da su versión pesimista sobre los hombres y lo poco que se puede esperar de ellos. Tampoco el zorro contribuye a mejorar su opinión, pero en cambio le enseña el modo de hacerse amigos: hay que crear lazos, hay que dejarse "domesticar". Y al final le regala su secreto: "Sólo se ve bien con el corazón. Lo esencial es invisible a los ojos". De pronto el principito se da cuenta de que su flor le ha "domesticado" y decide regresar a su planeta valiéndose de los medios expeditivos que le ofrece la serpiente. Y es entonces cuando entra en contacto con el aviador, también el hombre habrá encontrado un amigo. Please note: This audiobook is in Spanish. Opiniones de los miembros: bravo y super si. yo querro esta libro. I like it .i will device this book to everybody El principito Un libro que sin duda todos los niños y todos los adultos debemos leer. El audio libro es más que satisfactorio Simplemente increíble A todo el mundo le gustara este bello relato. Me dejo con ganas de saber más del Principito. just beautiful. an amazing book. almost made me cry. narrator great job. principio mucho que aprender de ti. Narración con muy buen ritmo y con buena interpretación de emociones Para un libro de excelente calidad literaria un excelente narrador. Recomendable para toda la familia.

Madame Bovary Audiobook by Gustave Flaubert

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Gustave Flaubert) — Fri, 03 Feb 2017 22:45:25 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Madame Bovary Author: Gustave Flaubert Narrator: Kate Petrie Format: Unabridged Length: 11 hrs and 37 mins Language: English Release date: 02-03-17 Publisher: Take 2 Studios Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 44 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: Madame Bovary is a lurid tale of unremorseful adultery and violent emotions set against the background of the stupefying, boring provincial town of Yonville in Normandy. The book is a biting criticism of entitlement and living beyond one's means. Emma Bovary is beautiful and cultured but she yearns for excitement. Reading too many romantic novels has given her a taste for a lifestyle she can't afford, and she racks up eye-watering debts by secretly buying expensive trinkets from the unscrupulous merchant Lheureux. Unfulfilled by her dull-as-dishwater husband Charles and the drudgery of motherhood, she embarks on a series of torrid affairs with more exciting lovers. How long can she hide her cheating and debts from her husband before her behavior catches up with her? Will she ever find something or someone that satisfies her craving for more? Members Reviews: Spectacular Narration of a Great Classic Madame Bovary is both engaging and insightful while acting as a reminder that the grass isnt always greener on the other side. The story of Emma, a self-centered romantic who longs for the glamorous life, is one that many women can relate to in todays day and age. Once married, she still longs for adventure, glamour, and romance that have since died down, which ultimately leads her to a path of disaster. The narrator was truly a pleasure to listen to. Kate Petrie was a wonderful choice for this books narration. She has a captivating voice thats a delight to listen to, drawing you into Madam Bovarys story right from the start, making it even more entertaining and thought provoking. Madame Bovary is a good reminder to be content with what we have in life because things can always get worse. An excellent classic by Gustave Flaubert.

The Metamorphosis Audiobook by Franz Kafka, Susan Bernofsky (translator)

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Franz Kafka) — Wed, 20 Aug 2014 22:05:12 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Metamorphosis Subtitle: A New Translation by Susan Bernofsky Author: Franz Kafka, Susan Bernofsky (translator) Narrator: Edoardo Ballerini Format: Unabridged Length: 2 hrs and 8 mins Language: English Release date: 08-20-14 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 404 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: "This fine version, with David Cronenberg's inspired introduction and the new translator's beguiling afterword, is, I suspect, the most disturbing though the most comforting of all so far; others will follow, but don't hesitate: this is the transforming text for you." (Richard Howard) Franz Kafka's 1915 novella of unexplained horror and nightmarish transformation became a worldwide classic and remains a century later one of the most widely read works of fiction in the world. It is the story of traveling salesman Gregor Samsa, who wakes one morning to find himself transformed into a monstrous insect. This hugely influential work inspired George Orwell, Albert Camus, Jorge Louis Borges, and Ray Bradbury, while continuing to unsettle millions of readers. In her new translation of Kafka's masterpiece, Susan Bernofsky strives to capture both the humor and the humanity in this macabre tale, underscoring the ways in which Gregor Samsa's grotesque metamorphosis is just the physical manifestation of his longstanding spiritual impoverishment. Members Reviews: Mysterious and beautiful Edoardo Ballerini is a wonderful narrator, and this is a wonderful story. Is it an allegory? What did Kafka mean by having Gregor Samsa turn overnight into a giant, repellent bug? (He certainly is repellent: some of the passages in this translation are very hard to listen to.) One possibility is a moral failing of some kind; another is a terrible wasting disease like cancer. And of course it's also possible that no allegory is intended, that Kafka simply wanted to put this family in an extreme situation so we could watch their reactions. And in fact, by the end, Gregor's family is every bit as metamorphosed as he is himself. Whatever the "meaning," the story is a mysterious and beautiful one, and this audiobook is well worth the short time it takes to listen to it. A wonderful experience. The narration is wonderful. He didn't detract but, rather, he accompanied the tone of the author, I believe. As for the story, personally I enjoyed The Stranger more than this experience. The artistry of Kaka's syntax made for an enjoyable read. But the former book had me raptured by the end. Maybe with some more growth in my part will make for a better experience the second time around. My time spent was well worth it. This is the only translation I have read. best of kafka kafka at its best a joy to listen to recommended to anyone on a long ride or on a dreary winters morning Excellent! A beautiful fictional story, with a powerful metaphor that can bring tears to your eyes. Exceptional translation and narration. Highly recommended! Great Narration of a Classic The narrator's voice is wonderful and really adds something to the story. This makes for a really good listening experience to one of the best author's the Czech Republic (back then Czechoslovakia) has ever produced.

Ulysses Audiobook by James Joyce

biacuaduc@gmail.com (James Joyce) — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 10:18:12 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Ulysses Author: James Joyce Narrator: Donal Donnelly Format: Unabridged Length: 42 hrs and 23 mins Language: English Release date: 01-11-13 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 164 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: The first authorized, unabridged release of this timeless classic and exclusively available from Recorded Books. Ulysses records the events of a single day, June 16, 1904, in Dublin, Ireland. Members Reviews: Masterful performance. Forty hours of poetry. I tried (and failed) several times to comprehend what was touted as perhaps the finest novel in the English language. I had given up until I heard, rather than tried to read Ulysses. Now I understand: the epic courage it takes to survive the death of a child (Bloom's and Molly's son Rudy) played out iin a single Dublin day. Beyond moving.. Everyone who has given up on Ulysses deserves a chance to get it. Thanks to the Joyce family, the narrator and Recorded Books. Outstanding reading of Ulysses by James Joyce If you could sum up Ulysses in three words, what would they be? Deepens the experience What other book might you compare Ulysses to and why? Homer's Odyssey -- it has as intricate plot and more - of course Joyce based his novel on the Odyssey - I also enjoyed the Odyssey as an outstanding Audiobook What about Donal Donnellys performance did you like? Donal Donnelly understands the book and conveys its meaning magnificently Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting? No - stretch it out - and let it sink in Any additional comments? I have wanted to enjoy Ulysses for over 40 years -- this Audiobook has at last made it possible -- reading the Audiobook with the text in front of me enriches the experience further -- it is one of the profounder experiences of life and that is a fact -- thanks for bringing it to me! A masterly performance Ulysses is one of those books of which you tend to feel you should read it, if you're at all interested in literature. But many of us readers fail to get very far. I tried several times. Encouraged myself by going to a (fantastic) course, which helped a lot. But it was this audiobook that really got me right into Ulysses, loving it, admiring it and then returning with much better understanding to the written word. I am now a total fan of Ulysses, intend to read other works by Joyce (Portrait of the Artist, As a Young Man and The Dubliners) and I also intend to read this book and listen to the audiobook over and over again. In fact, I will start my own Bloomsday tradition and start from the beginning once a year on June 16. Ulysses is Life Any additional comments? Ulysses is a big long book with a lot of words and it hurts when you drop it on your toe. Mind you, Ulysses isn't the first book I've dropped on my toe: A King James Bible, my family's Masonic Bible (which is exactly like the King James version except the word God had been completely edited out), Gravity's Rainbow (unironically), and The Unbearable Lightness of Being whose sharp corner wounded my little toe. However, aside from Pynchon, I've read every book that has fallen on my foot and so I have now moved on from being a person who has not read Ulysses to that rare breed of a bore who has. I now belong to a group that not even Joyce belonged to because, according to my edition's afterword, once the novel was printed (aside from some very minor errata) he finally gave up and stopped editing (and thus reading) the text all together.

Steppenwolf Audiobook by Hermann Hesse

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Hermann Hesse) — Mon, 05 May 2008 12:08:18 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Steppenwolf Author: Hermann Hesse Narrator: Peter Weller Format: Unabridged Length: 7 hrs and 46 mins Language: English Release date: 05-05-08 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 832 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: With its blend of Eastern mysticism and Western culture, Steppenwolf, Hesse' best-known and most autobiographical work, originally published in English in 1929, continues to speak to our souls as a classic of modern literature. Members Reviews: I was the Steppenwolf I believed from the prologue that I was probably the sort of person that Hesse had intended for an audience to this book. When you enter a writer's world... that is to say, the world of a good writer, you are taken away from your own world to experience joys and sorrows of the author's creation. Hesse's world quickly became my own, but Hesse took me a step further. When I was reading the Steppenwolf, I believed that I was the Steppenwolf. Harry Haller was me and I was him. Haller begins as a sick and sorrowful man, a brilliant man and I became him as I found myself trudging through his life. When Holler, and thus myself, came out the other side of the story, we were healed, healthier and a better people for having made the journey. For me, reading this was less of an accomplishment and more of an apotheosis... a transcendence. I wish I could thank Hesse myself for creating this wonderful little masterpiece. Save this Hesse novel for your midlife crisis. There is this bourgeoisie period in every man's life. This midpoint between birth and death where man is trapped alone. Unable to exist in hot or cold of the absolutes he tries to find his way between the extremes in the comfortable center. Fearing life and death, he just exists ... barely. This is not a novel for the young. Just like it is better to save King Lear for late in one's life, it is better to save Steppenwolf for those crisis years of the midlife. Hesse's novels seem to flirt between the edge of memoir, scripture, prose poem and Eastern philosophy tract. This isn't a book you want to read in a hot bath with scotch in one hand and a razor blade in the other. You will either spill your drink or spill your blood or lose every printed word, the hot water erasing pages and pickling your fingers, toes and time. There are parts of me that get super irritated by Hesse and parts of me that absolutely love him. It depends, I guess, on what part of me is dominating at the time, which of my selves is dislocated and which is demanding the most. Somedays, I wonder if I had my druthers I'd be a shepherd and write poetry on rocks. Unfortunately, I am a bourgeoisie bitch cloaking myself in cashmere and not a mangy wolf from the steppes. Hesse Back in the 70's when I was in college and the army Herman Hesse had a surge of popularity that was deemed comin of age stories. Back then I read most of his books. I decided to listen to Steppenwolf to see if anything changed, if I had a diferenct perspective. I don't know that I have the answer, Hesse wrote a forward to this book 30 years or so after he wrote it mentioning how the young enjoyed his writing. But he wrote Steppenwolf when he was around 50 and he said that it was as much about finding peace of mind, your placein life than anything. He mentions that each reader gets somthing diffeerent from the story and any author wants his readers to relate to their stories in whatever way workds for them. This is a book for thinkers, I'm one, if you're one you may enjoy this tale. Profound This is one of the most profound books I've have ever listened to.

Beowulf Audiobook by Seamus Heaney (translator)

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Seamus Heaney (translator)) — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 12:54:03 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Beowulf Author: Seamus Heaney (translator) Narrator: George Guidall Format: Unabridged Length: 4 hrs and 8 mins Language: English Release date: 01-11-13 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 82 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: Written a thousand years ago, this long poem is the very first surviving piece of English literature. Join Beowulf, a young warrior, as he achieves glory by fighting and killing three fantastic monsters. This new translation, by the Nobel laureate poet Seamus Heaney, offers modern listeners an accessible, intensely dramatic text. It amply demonstrates why this epic has spread its influence over more than a millennium of literature. Members Reviews: Almost perfect Seamus Heaney's version of "Beowulf" is a wonder, a totally modern translation of the poem that somehow manages to sound like it's been around for a thousand years. For a long time, his translation was only available on Audible in a badly abridged version - badly abridged even though it was read by Heaney himself: enough of the story was cut that some passages were incomprehensible. Recorded Books has had this complete version for several years, and it's finally available on Audible as well. If we can't have Heaney doing the whole thing, George Guidall is a great alternative: he has a deep, rich, old-soul-sounding voice that works beautifully on this kind of epic verse. (See "Gilgamesh" and "The Inferno" for other examples.) This is, in my opinion, the best version of this work available in audiobook format. Bear in mind, though, that I've been a fan of the poem for many years, and have read at least some of it in the original (in an undergraduate Old English course forty years ago). My recommendation may be less useful for someone trying to get a first-time gist of the story. I honestly don't know how this would come across to someone who'd never heard the story before. If you want another interesting treat, listen to Guidall giving the other side of the story, in the audiobook version of "Grendel" by the late lamented John Gardner. Beowulf as it should be enjoyed! What a great way to review (or meet!) Beowulf! Heaney's translation is fantastic, and while I'd love to hear a Irishman, a Dane, or a Scotsman read it, Guidall is skilled if neutral. The inclusion of the introduction at the end is surprising (why not include it at the start?) but fantastic, and helps enrich the whole experience. I've read and taught Beowulf before, but I never really enjoyed its story fully until I listened to it. HIGHLY recommended. Yup, even the middle section while they're all boasting and trading loot. Listen to this and skip the terrible cartoony version with Angelina Jolie as Grendel's mom! One of the greatest tales of loss ever written Any additional comments? The way the author tells the story powerfully expresses what it must have felt like when, during those same times, they watched their mighty pagan traditions of honor and bravery set out to sea forever, then to be replaced by the new culture of Christianity. If you read it, make sure you also read J.R.R. Tolkein's "The Monsters and The Critics." The whole essay brings new insights to the story; my particular favorite part was his metaphorical statement that Beowulf is a story of youth and old age, the rising and setting of life, and the embracing of the dragon that comes for us all. Excellent narration by George Guidall Translated by Seamus Heaney and beautifully narrated by George Guidall.

Great Authors of the Western Literary Tradition, 2nd Edition Audiobook by The Great Courses

biacuaduc@gmail.com (The Great Courses) — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 03:59:03 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Great Authors of the Western Literary Tradition, 2nd Edition Author: The Great Courses Narrator: Professor Elizabeth Vandiver, Professor James A. W. Heffernan Format: Original Recording Length: 42 hrs and 56 mins Language: English Release date: 07-08-13 Publisher: The Great Courses Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 136 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: From the anonymous author of the Epic of Gilgamesh in ancient Mesopotamia to William Faulkner writing about Mississippi 3,600 years later, many of Western culture's greatest figures have been writers. Their landmark themes, unique insights into human nature, dynamic characters, experimental storytelling techniques, and rich philosophical ideas helped create the vibrant storytelling methods we find reflected in today's authors. These 84 brilliant lectures survey more than 70 literary geniuses and masterpieces of Western literature, offering you the chance to experience a veritable encyclopedia of great writers who have played critical roles in Western history, influencing everything from religion to politics - to say nothing of the myriad literary genres and movements, which illustrate how writers reacted to their cultural environments and demonstrate the crucial relationship between a writer and his or her time. From Homer and Virgil to Cervantes and Milton to Dickens and Joyce, the featured texts and authors are so richly varied and cover so many different centuries, societies, literary movements, and genres, yet you'll discover a panorama of literary relationships between periods, authors, and the paths that brought us to where we are in literature today. Amid all the discussions from five highly esteemed professors, you'll return again and again to the idea of literature as a powerful force in our lives. You'll come away with a well-rounded and well-informed understanding of both these literary icons and the larger role that literature has played in our cultural history. The complete list of lecturers includes professors Elizabeth Vandiver, James A.W. Heffernan, Ronald B. Herzman, Susan Sage Heinzelman, and Thomas F.X. Noble. PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio. Members Reviews: Epic Audio There were more lectures in this long set of lectures (48) on the classic age than any other, twenty something rather than the ten for the other periods. I wasn't convinced that was necessary, obscure Greek and Roman poets get their own lecture while medieval and Renaissance literature are just scanned. There is exposure to French and Spanish authors that we rarely get in English Lit. Doing these works chronologically, you can see how one period builds on another, except for the classics. I can see the attention paid to the greats but I simply didn't enjoy the first part as much as the last. Great Authors Without the Term Papers This really is like sitting in on great professors' lectures, but without having all the term papers and finals that go with the classes. I was skeptical, at first, but these really do come across as well thought out lectures by knowledgeable professors. They also bring their unique methods and personalities to each part. I have sat in on enough lectures to be impressed by these. They do require your attention to get the most out of them. One side benefit is the introduction of authors that you may have heard of, but had never gotten around to.

Les Misérables : L'intégrale Livre Audio par Victor Hugo

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Victor Hugo) — Mon, 22 Aug 2016 21:32:26 GMT

Écoutez ce livre audio dans son intégralité gratuitement sur https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> Titre: Les Misérables : L'intégrale Auteur: Victor Hugo Narrateur: Michel Vuillermoz, Élodie Huber, Pierre-François Garel, Louis Arène, Mathurin Voltz Format: Unabridged Durée: 56 hrs and 57 mins Langue: Français Date de publication: 08-22-16 Éditeur: Éditions Thélème Evaluation: 4.5 sur 5 sur 34 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Résumé de l'éditeur: Un enregistrement exceptionnel : les cinq volumes des Misérables, un des plus grands romans de la littérature française, enfin disponibles en livre audio. Jean Valjean, Cosette, les Thénardier, Gavroche, ou encore Javert sont autant de noms qui résonnent au-delà de l'histoire qui les a fait naître. Ces misérables sont décrits à la fois comme des archétypes du genre humain, mais aussi comme les produits d'une société génératrice de pauvreté, d'ignorance et de désespoir. © Domaine public (P)2011 Éditions Thélème Avis des membres: magnifique chef-d'œuvre!!!! je redécouvre les Misérables après plus de vingt ans. un chef-d'œuvre à lire et relire écouter et réécouter. livre remplie de sagesse et de philosophie. Michel Vuillermoz (the 1st) is a really bad reader How did the narrator detract from the book? The other guys read really well, but I feel the need to rate the performance really low to attract attention to the fact that the first book needs to be reread. There's no life to what he reads. His tone never matches the scene and sometimes go through some sentences as if there's no points and comma and he's just doing his best to pronounce words after words. Un Chef-d'oeuvre de tous les temps Where does Les Misérables : L'intégrale rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far? The best by far. Of course for fluent French speaking people. What did you like best about this story? The most vivid of early 19th century historical background What about the narratorss performance did you like? All five narrators had different talents and they were all sincere and passionate If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be? Les Miserables! Any additional comments? I enjoyed all the many digressions. The one that would be most difficult for non French speakers would be the one on "argot". It can be skipped. It doesn't work What disappointed you about Les Misérables : L'intégrale? I purchased the title but I cannot play it. The library is empty on the app audible on my tablet which is the only place where I supposedly can play this thing. Any additional comments? Make it works! Absolutely exquisite! By far one of the best classic works EVER. Great for anyone wanting to brush up on their French.

Les Miserables Audiobook by Victor Hugo

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Victor Hugo) — Wed, 13 May 2015 05:34:58 GMT

Demian Audiobook by Hermann Hesse

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Hermann Hesse) — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 01:41:58 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Demian Subtitle: The Story of Emil Sinclair's Youth Author: Hermann Hesse Narrator: Jeff Woodman Format: Unabridged Length: 5 hrs and 46 mins Language: English Release date: 08-13-08 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 205 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: Here is the dramatic story of young, docile Emil Sinclair's descent - led by precocious schoolmate Max Demian - into a secret and dangerous world of petty crime and revolt against convention and eventual awakening to selfhood. A brilliant psychological portrait of a troubled young man's quest for self-awareness, this coming-of-age novel achieved instant critical and popular acclaim upon its 1919 publication. A landmark in the history of 20th-century literature, it reflects the author's preoccupation with the duality of human nature and the pursuit of spiritual fulfillment. ©1925 Fischer Verlag; ©1965 Harper and Row, Publishers, Incorprated; ©1948 Holt, Rinehart & Winston, Inc. (Introduction); (P)2008 BBC Audiobooks America Members Reviews: Demian We listened to Demian on a long car journey. It is a very dense, complex piece of writing...but we greatly enjoyed it! We still have a few chapters left, and we tried to listen to it on the hifi at home but it's the type of story that works best in the car - just you in the pod with the narrator! It would make a good companion on a long flight, for example. The introduction, giving biographical information about Hesse, was also useful. I'd remembered him from school (Siddhartha) but didn't know much about his life. The story of Demian is interesting, because the path it's going to follow isn't obvious. The imagery and characterisations are well-drawn, I think - certainly I have pictures in my head as the narrator relates the story (I hasten to add that I am the passenger in the car!). In short, it's worth investing the time in Demian. Books that make you a better person. This book is a guide and a journey in which you will re-discover yourself, beliefs, religion, and maturity.. No doubt this book must be read more than once through your life... amazing hard to understand but really such an amazing story that really is personal. thanks kim namjoon #btsarmy A new favorite Having already read many of Hesse's works, steppenwolf, n & g, Glass Bead Game among others it is refreshing to read his earlier Demian. In it are many familiar at themes he went on to explore throughout his career society v the individual, morality v sensuality, the master and apprentice, transformation, and transcendence. Here they are clear and simply expressed without the adornment of his later works. Spiritual journey A spiritual novel narrated by a voice seems coming directly from your soul,can anything be more magnificenly fair?

Candide Audiobook by Voltaire

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Voltaire) — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 12:52:36 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Candide Author: Voltaire Narrator: Andrew Sachs Format: Unabridged Length: 3 hrs and 38 mins Language: English Release date: 01-29-08 Publisher: CSA Word Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 192 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: On hearing about their often disastrous travels, a listener feels unfortunately less than empathetic, and can't help laughing out loud at this very funny account of the trail our optimistic travellers take, and at their eternal and endearing joy at the world and its potential discoveries. Read beautifully by Andrew Sachs. Members Reviews: WONDERFUL I join the thousands - millions? - who adore this book. hilarious, skillful and downright stunning, this gripper of a tale mocks the Enlightenment with such wit one cannot put this down!!!!!! Beautifully performed! Would you consider the audio edition of Candide to be better than the print version? The audio edition brings clarity to the multiplicity of characters and the performance animates each one in a memorable way. To me, this makes the audio version compelling in a much different way from the book. Who was your favorite character and why? All of the characters are compelling. The pastiche created by the entirety is what makes the work great. Have you listened to any of Andrew Sachss other performances before? How does this one compare? I have not listened to any other Andrew Sachs performances but plan to. Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry? The book is hilarious and, as a result, horrifying because of the compelling and biting satire ensconced within the clever and brilliant writing. Why the music? Story was good, narrator, very good; but the musical interludes were too frequent and much too long. The music didn't enhance the experience, but rather seemed out of place SO glad I picked this up. I have learned a bit about the French Revolution and I had learned that very much of it was inspired by Voltaire and it made me we want to understand a bit about him. I got this with a pretty good deal and I absolutely adore it. The reading, or should I say acting, is completely superb. The characters all have such wonderful voices that really bring out the characteristics of that person. the attitude, the humor, and the tragedy are so wonderfully displayed in this I really recommend it to anyone who is in the mood for fun, almost satirical poke at the world, and the ways of the human race. I just finished it, and the next book I'm going to listen to? This one. Again. I was completely enthralled! To my surprise, I loved it! It wasn't what I was expecting, but it was very interesting and I found myself on the edge of my seat waiting for every next word lol.

Around the World in 80 Days [Classic Tales Edition] Audiobook by Jules Verne

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Jules Verne) — Mon, 26 Sep 2016 12:33:09 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Around the World in 80 Days [Classic Tales Edition] Author: Jules Verne Narrator: B. J. Harrison Format: Unabridged Length: 7 hrs and 5 mins Language: English Release date: 09-26-16 Publisher: B.J. Harrison Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 60 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: Phileas Fogg, a gentleman of stringent and inflexible habits, proposes that he can circumvent the globe in 80 days. He wagers half of his fortune to this effect. But when a high-profile bank robbery occurs, the dogged Detective Fix is convinced that Mr. Fogg is an audacious bank robber and that his entire "gentleman's wager" is a charade. Thus begins a wild battle of cat and mouse that takes the clever combatants around the world. Members Reviews: One of my Favorites! What an adventure! My family read this together when I was 10 and it is one of the of those books that has been referenced and talked about amongst us ever since. This was the first time I've read (or listened I guess) it since then and it is just as good as I remembered! So much fun going on the journey around the world filled with so many crazy happenings and adventures. enjoyable, great narrator, slow in middle narrator does a great job with accents, great beginning and end, not too long either

Anna Karenina Audiobook by Leo Tolstoy

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Leo Tolstoy) — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 03:42:52 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Anna Karenina Author: Leo Tolstoy Narrator: Lorna Raver Format: Unabridged Length: 39 hrs and 48 mins Language: English Release date: 06-25-10 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 125 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: Vladimir Nabokov called Leo Tolstoy's Anna Karenina "one of the greatest love stories in world literature." Set in imperial Russia, Anna Karenina is a rich and complex meditation on passionate love and disastrous infidelity. Married to a powerful government minister, Anna Karenina is a beautiful woman who falls deeply in love with a wealthy army officer, the elegant Count Vronsky. Desperate to find truth and meaning in her life, she rashly defies the conventions of Russian society and leaves her husband and son to live with her lover. Condemned and ostracized by her peers and prone to fits of jealousy that alienate Vronsky, Anna finds herself unable to escape an increasingly hopeless situation. Set against this tragic affair is the story of Konstantin Levin, a melancholy landowner whom Tolstoy based largely on himself. While Anna looks for happiness through love, Levin embarks on his own search for spiritual fulfillment through marriage, family, and hard work. Surrounding these two central plot threads are dozens of characters whom Tolstoy seamlessly weaves together, creating a breathtaking tapestry of 19th-century Russian society. From its famous opening sentence---"Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way"---to its stunningly tragic conclusion, this enduring tale of marriage and adultery plumbs the very depths of the human soul. Members Reviews: Not good dramatization but an ok reading This is one of those "must read" novels because Tolstoy was onto the beginnings of the modern, psychological novel. He creates a wonderful picture of the frothy, frivolous life of Imperial Russian aristocracy and you can see the germs of the Russian Revolution in the political talk among the characters, which is very interesting; the Bolsheviks didn't just jump out of the landscape on October of 1917; the ideas were being discussed long before. The reading by Lorna Raver, who is generally a very good narrator, has one flaw and that is she tries to dramatize the characters by using a gruff voice to indicate some of the male characters. It sounds utterly stupid. She'd have done better to simply lighten or darken her voice slightly and not try to sound like Papa Bear. It detracts from an otherwise excellent reading. Simply a masterpiece The best book I've ever read or listen to. Beautify read. A true masterpiece and a timeless classic. Colourful portrait of the Russian nobility at the turn of the last century. Narration at its best. Narrator has given heart and soul to the book compared to other narrators.GOD bless you. way too long. "overworte" What did you like best about Anna Karenina? What did you like least? the long length. and detail to arguemnts on political and religious ideas and not much time spent on detaiiing what was going on in the story. this story could have been lots better. the plot was not bad. just the way it was presented. What did you like best about this story? that i could listen in audio form. i could never read a book like this. i did enjoy the story, Which scene was your favorite? the scene at the ball in the beginning. and the last part when ann was consdering breaking with vronsky (for the thousandth time). If this book were a movie would you go see it? yes id would. Any additional comments? found anna to be a self absorbed person. i liked levin and dolly and her husband stephen. i found men in this book to be more likable.

Thus Spoke Zarathustra Audiobook by Friedrich Nietzsche

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Friedrich Nietzsche) — Thu, 04 Jan 2018 02:45:30 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Thus Spoke Zarathustra Author: Friedrich Nietzsche Narrator: Kevin Theis Format: Unabridged Length: 12 hrs and 58 mins Language: English Release date: 01-04-18 Publisher: Bassett Publishing Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 8 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: Written in the mid 1880's by Friedrich Nietzsche, Thus Spoke Zarathustra is a critically-acclaimed work centered around the "death of God" and the rise of a superhuman. A philosophical and moral examination of good versus evil, divine versus mortal, and power versus submission are all encapsulated in the musings of Zarathustra. Zarathustra's doctrine is the idea of eternal recurrence, which claims that all events repeat themselves, and that to achieve a higher state of mind, man must accept each moment as it comes. Nietzsche's Thus Spoke Zarathustra is a compelling, thought-provoking piece on what it means to understand internal peace and to conflict with the mundane repetition of life on Earth. Members Reviews: Interesting... It can be a a little hard to follow but I really like how this book challenges me intellectually. I felt like the narrator talked a little fast so thats why I gave that a 4. Well Spoke Zarathustra Challenging, frustrating, sometimes enraging, but an unavoidable foundation document of modern thought. So like it or not, the 'story' has to get a 5. Over the years Ive read it in shards and chunks and fits and starts, on paper and Kindle, but was never able to sustain the journey from beginning to end. This time I could, largely thanks to this sure-footed, energetic Sherpa of a narrator. It's Nietzsche Thus Spoke Zarathrustra was one of those books I hated reading in Western Civ decades ago in college, and I really hoped by being an adult I would find more in it to like, and to be honest I have no desire to try it a 3rd time. The material to me is just wrong. BUT this audible version is a good listen, I lover the narrators voice it makes Nietzsche's words sound good. I recommend this not for the book, but the reading is fantastic even if the author starts with a flawed premise and never convinces, me the reader, that he was right. Happy I got this version Nietzsche' magnum opus, yes, the overman and it's pronunciation through Zarathustra is amazing to listen too; especially when coupled to the gusto at which this narrator performs. I'm thoroughly happy with what I have listened to.

The Brothers Karamazov Audiobook

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Fyodor Dostoevsky (translated by Richard Pevear) — Wed, 15 Dec 1999 15:15:01 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Brothers Karamazov Author: Fyodor Dostoevsky (translated by Richard Pevear, Larissa Volokhonsky) Narrator: Debra Winger Format: Abridged Length: 6 hrs Language: English Release date: 12-15-99 Publisher: Phoenix Books Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 35 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: A father's murder sets the stage for a riveting tale of intrigue and passion that also explores profound issues of faith and ethics. This classic novel - considered Dostoevsky's finest work - tells the story of crazed landowner Fyodor Karamazov and his four sons - Dmitry, Ivan, Alyosha, and the illegitimate Smerdyakov. Fyodor's murder sets the stage for a complex tangle of moral and ethical struggles that involve patricide, betrayal, sacrifice, and glory. A profound psychological study and a penetrating analysis of the search for faith, The Brothers Karamazov explores the most fundamental questions of human nature. This excellent new translation conveys the essence of Dostoevsky's original Russian. Recording (P)1992 by Audio Literature; ©1991 by North Point Press Critic Reviews: "..comes as close to Dostoevsky's Russian as it is possible to reach in another language." (Joseph Frank, Princeton University) Members Reviews: Disapointing This is a great book. However, it does not lend itself to an abridged version. Sure, you get the plot, but miss out on all the interesting philosophical sections. Debra Winger narrates the book. Her voice is rather monotonal and this book, a somewhat dark Russian novel filled with mostly male characters, really does not lend itself well to a female narrator. I truly wish an unabridge version was available, with the same narrator that does the unabridged version of Crime and Punishment (available from Audible). I downloaded Crime and Punishment just after listening to Brothers Karamazov and it was much more satisfying (from the standpoint of narrators voice and unabridged). Don't Buy This What disappointed you about The Brothers Karamazov? My goodness, that an actress could read so poorly and her director and editors let it pass is a big disappointment And, I must have missed that it was an abridged version. Argh! Don't do this with the great classics What was one of the most memorable moments of The Brothers Karamazov? I had to stop listening What didnt you like about Debra Wingers performance? Wooden, mono-stress, one word at a time reading, not honoring comma pauses much less full stops. Any additional comments? Get a good reader and do an unabridged version. Thanks No Grand Inquisitor Though abridged I'd have thought they would keep the Grand Inquisitor parable but it is missing. Disappointed in Debra Winger's performance which I thought was leaden. Very disappointed This is the most disappointing purchase I've made from Audible. I'd hoped for a lively "refresher" after having read the full novel many years ago. But as others note, the abridgement just doesn't cut it. And the narration is particularly bad, slow and expressionless - puts me to sleep. Please don't let Ms. Winger try this again! There were some breaks where it seemed like the narrator was pausing for a drink of water or something. Too abridged, uneven performance Eager to hear the 1990 translation by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky, I bought this abridgment. Debra Winger's performance was uneven. There were oddly long pauses, too. This newer translation is a great improvement, very natural. I hope Audible will produce an unabridged version.

El conde de Montecristo [The Count of Monte Cristo] Audio Libro por Alexander Dumas

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Alexander Dumas) — Tue, 18 Jul 2017 12:52:45 GMT

Escuche este audio libro completo gratis en https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> Título: El conde de Montecristo [The Count of Monte Cristo] Autor: Alexander Dumas Narrador: Joan M Martinez Formato: Unabridged Duración: 45 hrs and 59 mins Idioma: Español Fecha de publicación: 07-18-17 Editor: Sonolibro Calificaciones: 5 de 5 de 34 votos Categorías: Classics, European Literature Resumen del editor: Ésta es sin duda, la novela de aventuras más famosa de la historia de la literatura. El joven Edmundo Dantés llega al puerto de Marsella, feliz por poder ver a Mercedes, de la que está enamorado. Pero otros pretendientes de Mercedes, van a hacerle la vida imposible, consiguiendo que el mismo día de la boda sea detenido, acusado de traición al rey y enviado directamente a la terrible prisión del castillo de If. Después de varios años de encierro y de padecimientos de todas clases, Edmundo conoce a otro preso, el abate Faria con el que entabla una gran amistad. Faria se convierte en su tutor, y cuando es esta punto de morir, da razón a Edmundo de un increíble tesoro escondido en la isla de Montecristo.Una vez que éste consigue escapar, del castillo de If, se jura asimismo que se vengará de todos aquellos que le han hecho perder la tercera parte de su vida en prisión. Esta, es la versión original de la obra, con un total de 46 horas de grabación, que se hacen extremadamente agradables de escuchar gracias al buen hacer del narrador de la misma y a la música y efectos introducidos en posproducción. Please note: This audiobook is in Spanish. Opiniones de los miembros: Todo mal tiene 2 remedios: el tiempo y el silencio Wow! que excelente producción de una de las novelas cumbres de la literatura universal. La narración acompañada de "efectos especiales" (música, ambientación) hace más adictivo este audiolibro. Me quedo con la última frase del Conde de Montecristo: Confiar y Esperar. Confiar y esperar en que seguirán publicando audiolibros en español con la misma calidad de éste. Excelente Quede totalmente enamorada del Conde De Montecristo. Y encantada con la narracion del Libra. I love it EXELENTE!!!! En esta gran historia queda claro que el juicio y el castigo sólo pertenecen a dios voz de mujer excelente narración no hubieron momentos de aburrimiento crítica: la voz de las mujeres hechas por hombres suenan horrible. Excelente Una Joya de la literatura, desde el comienzo hasta el fin no hay desperdicio. Confiar y esperar

L'Étranger Livre Audio par Albert Camus

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Albert Camus) — Fri, 22 May 2015 10:37:38 GMT

Écoutez ce livre audio dans son intégralité gratuitement sur https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> Titre: L'Étranger Auteur: Albert Camus Narrateur: Michael Lonsdale Format: Unabridged Durée: 3 hrs and 27 mins Langue: Français Date de publication: 05-22-15 Éditeur: Gallimard Evaluation: 4.5 sur 5 sur 94 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Résumé de l'éditeur: "18 juillet. Hier à midi, sur la plage de Tipaza, un employé de bureau dénommé Meursault, demeurant rue Bab-Azoun à Alger, a tué de cinq balles de revolver un Arabe non encore identifié. Les motifs du crime restent inconnus. Arrêté, Meursault a été transféré à la prison d'Alger." Jugé, reconnu coupable de meurtre avec préméditation, condamné à mort et exécuté, on ne saura jamais pourquoi Meursault a tué. Il assiste à son procès comme si c'était un autre qu'on jugeait. Une profonde réflexion sur l'être et la vie. ©1942 Éditions Gallimard (P)1986/ 2007 Enregistrement Audivis/ Éditions Gallimard Avis des membres: Nice story but boringly read and too much music The story is good but the narrator seems to be sleeping while reading. Also far too much music playing. We buy the book to have the story read to us, not to have so much bad music at the end of every chapter (30 seconds every time, very irritating) "Aujourd'hui maman est morte!" Um livro sensacional. É o retrato da impossibilidade da vida no absurdo. Uma imploso a cada frase dita pelo "herói do absurdo". Leitura mais recomendada. something wrong? What would have made L'Étranger better? it starts with something unintelligible , then weird music for a while and then it appears to start randomly, so first time it started halfway through and since it goes back to the start which is pretty annoying, normally when you log back in the next day it carries on where you eft of

The Brothers Karamazov Audiobook by Constance Garnett (translator), Fyodor Dostoevsky

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Constance Garnett (translator)) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 17:00:23 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Brothers Karamazov Author: Constance Garnett (translator), Fyodor Dostoevsky Narrator: Frederick Davidson Format: Unabridged Length: 34 hrs and 53 mins Language: English Release date: 10-08-09 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 492 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: The Brothers Karamazov tells the stirring tale of four brothers: the pleasure-seeking, impatient Dmitri; the brilliant and morose Ivan; the gentle, loving, and honest Alyosha; and the illegitimate Smerdyakov: shy, silent, and cruel. The four unite in the murder of one of literature's most despicable characters - their father. This was Dostoevsky's final and best work. Critic Reviews: "[Dostoevsky is] at once the most literary and compulsively readable of novelists we continue to regard as great....The Brothers Karamazov stands as the culmination of his art - his last, longest, richest, and most capacious book." (Washington Post Book World) Members Reviews: Narration not to everyone's taste The big issue (as you can see from other reviews) in the narrator. For the first hour or so, until it became familiar, it was distracting and excruciating -- the narration sounded very upper class British, snobbish, bored and just a little bit peeved to be telling the story. Also, there is a sing-song quality to the intonations, and some of the intonation patterns are repeated to the point where familiarity becomes a bit tedious. Oddly enough, when the narrator does characters, these problems all disappear and the voices sound appropriate for the persons portrayed. But then he switches back to the "narrator" voice, which doesn't sound at all like one of the Karamazovs' neighbors. A long work and a great work, but boy is it long I've never been a huge fan of Russian literature, and this book reminded me why. The Brothers Karamazov isn't so much a story as a lengthy disquisition on the Russian character and the issues of Dostoyevsky's day, detailed personality profiles, and digressions on every subject Dostoyevsky wanted to pursue, including free will, the existence of God, moral responsibility, and truth. It's a high-minded novel full of weighty intellectual themes and I could not help but appreciate the meticulous detail with which the author constructed every part of it from the events and familial and romantic relationships leading up to Fyodor Pavlovich Karamazov's murder to the background histories of even the most minor characters. The problem is, Dostoyevsky spends entire chapters on things like the background histories of the most minor character. Half the book was one of the Karamazovs talking on and on uninterrupted to an audience as silent and passive as the reader/listener. The skill of the author cannot be denied. The style is completely unlike modern literature, but Dostoyevsky makes every one of his characters so complex and complete that you wish more modern authors were as thorough (and indulged as much by their editors) in their creations. And you can sense the majesty of what Dostoyevsky was trying to accomplish -- he takes a bunch of different arguments and picks them apart from multiple points of view, letting the Karamazov brothers or secondary characters or even allegorical figures hash out everything the author is thinking (or arguing against) thoroughly and articulately. So I guess that's a lot of words to say "It's Literature." I don't really feel anyone should force themselves to read books that don't interest them, but there is something to be said for knowing the books and the authors who influenced other great authors.

Cervantes's Don Quixote Audiobook by Grant L. Voth

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Grant L. Voth) — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 00:60:18 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Cervantes's Don Quixote Author: Grant L. Voth Narrator: Grant L. Voth Format: Unabridged Length: 30 mins Language: English Release date: 10-01-07 Publisher: The Great Courses Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 2 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: While not the first novel in history, Don Quixote is one of the first in the Western world and has been by far the most influential. This lecture explores Cervantes' revolutionary use of prose to present a realistic view of life that contrasted to the popular romances of his day. ©2007 The Great Courses (P)2007 The Great Courses

The Death of Ivan Ilych Audiobook by Leo Tolstoy

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Leo Tolstoy) — Mon, 21 Sep 2015 09:53:36 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Death of Ivan Ilych Author: Leo Tolstoy Narrator: Soren Filipski Format: Unabridged Length: 2 hrs and 38 mins Language: English Release date: 09-21-15 Publisher: Hythloday Press Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 68 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910), author of War and Peace and Anna Karenina, was foremost among the great Russian novelists of the 19th century, and is widely considered one of the greatest writers of prose fiction in world history. In his perceptive and moving depiction of Ivan Ilych, a worldly careerist facing his own mortality in the midst of a self-absorbed family and indifferent colleagues, Tolstoy provides one of literature's greatest and most memorable reflections on the meaning of the good life and on life as preparation for death. This edition features the classic Oxford translation of Aylmer and Louise Maude, of whom Tolstoy himself said, "Better translators, both for knowledge of the two languages and for penetration into the very meaning of the matter translated, could not be invented." Members Reviews: Great experience I needed to read this for a college assignment. I ended up really enjoying it. It truly is a masterpiece and I feel the narrator presented it well without distracting from the work itself. Would recommend. Welp, I Guess I'll Go Ponder Now Being completely new to Tolstoy, I was blown away by this story, and was left feeling thoroughly understood by its writer-- and yet more misunderstanding of myself than ever before. I found it to be a fantastic supplement after recently finishing Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis; as I wrote when reviewing that title, I would recommend this book highly to my fellow followers of Christ, even more highly to those who do not follow Him, and most highly of all to those on the fence about the whole thing. Horrible Recording Whoever made this audiobook has no idea what theyre doing. Better to leave the slight background hiss than make it go silent here and there in the middle of hisses due to inept postproduction. I cant stand listen to it. So glad I had this assigned What did you love best about The Death of Ivan Ilych? Although this was assigned as part of course material this semester, I am so glad it was. Great story and still so relevant today Scary how relevant this is today What an eloquent tale of the way the world works. Absolute misery...until it is no more.

Classic Novels: Meeting the Challenge of Great Literature Audiobook by The Great Courses

biacuaduc@gmail.com (The Great Courses) — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 00:11:13 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Classic Novels: Meeting the Challenge of Great Literature Author: The Great Courses Narrator: Professor Arnold Weinstein Format: Original Recording Length: 18 hrs and 31 mins Language: English Release date: 07-08-13 Publisher: The Great Courses Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 115 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: What if you could travel anywhere, whether Europe, South America, or the remote reaches of the African continent? And what if you could choose not only your destination, but your era, as well - so that you might choose from the sparkling court society of 18th-century France, a 19th-century whaling ship out of New Bedford, or the streets of Dublin in the early part of the 20th century? And what about the most remarkable journey of all: the voyage inside the mind of another human being, in which you plumb the thoughts and emotions that usually remain hidden deep within?What remarkable secrets would you learn about the puzzling, sometimes shocking thing we call human nature? The lives lived in distant lands and eras? And, most important, ourselves-the human race of which you are a part? If you're a serious reader, you already know that these are the kinds of adventures that await you in the classic novels of great literature. And if you're not, the 36 spellbinding lectures of this series, delivered by a gifted and prize-winning teacher, might just convince you why you ought to be, as you take an epic journey through three centuries, sojourn in foreign lands, and enter remarkable realms of the imagination. The lectures take you beyond what is often offered in literary courses-plots, anecdotes, facts about where and when a novel was written. Instead, you'll gain something far more profound: an opportunity to experience the startling brilliance that makes each of these works-from geniuses like Dickens, Joyce, Tolstoy, Balzac, Proust, and many others-a classic. PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio. Members Reviews: No Course Credit; Just Ivy League Lit Appreciation You love books and majored in business or medicine or dropped out of school to become a multi-millionaire salesmen? Now, you just wish you had paid more attention and that you would have taken that American or British Lit course instead of taking the easier route? If so, or if you just love lit and don't care if you'd taken it in college or not, this is a perfect chance to listen to hours and hours of a mild-mannered but lively Ivy League (Brown) professor Arnold Weinstein searching the meaning and imparting his knowledge of many of the Classic Novels. If you haven't read a lot of these novels, don't worry. For a few I hadn't read, Professor Weinstein inspired me to read these books and his teaching method doesn't require you to have read these to enjoy the course. I'd definitely recommend the Professor Weinstein lit courses. I've bought all of them and I'd say that just an hour or so out of the course's many is worth what you'll spend to make the purchase. Excellent summary. What did you like about this audiobook? Getting an expert's summary on these books was enlightening for me. I was looking for which ones to read or re-read so this is also a great way to decide which classic might fit my next few choices in audio books. There is also something about these old school professors which can't be replicated. I ran this at 2 and 3 times speed and kept up with it so the listener can go through the 36 lectures quickly.

Dead Souls Audiobook by Nikolai Gogol, Constance Garnett - translator

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Nikolai Gogol) — Tue, 23 May 2017 17:18:41 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Dead Souls Author: Nikolai Gogol, Constance Garnett - translator Narrator: Nicholas Boulton Format: Unabridged Length: 14 hrs and 54 mins Language: English Release date: 05-23-17 Publisher: Naxos AudioBooks Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 18 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: Gogol's great Russian classic is the Pickwick Papers of Russian literature. It takes a sharp but humorous look at life in all its strata but especially the devious complexities in Russia, with its landowners and serfs. We are introduced to Chichikov, a businessman who, in order to trick the tax authorities, buys up dead 'souls', or serfs, whose names still appear on the government census. Despite being a dealer in phantom crimes and paper ghosts, he is the most beguiling of Gogol's characters. Gogol's obsession with attempting to display 'the untold riches of the Russian soul' eventually led him to madness, religious mania, and death. Dismissed by him as merely 'a pale introduction to the great epic poem which is taking shape in my mind', Dead Souls is the culmination of Gogol's genius. Translator: Constance Garnett.

Classics of Russian Literature Audiobook by The Great Courses

biacuaduc@gmail.com (The Great Courses) — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 04:32:20 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Classics of Russian Literature Author: The Great Courses Narrator: Professor Irwin Weil Format: Original Recording Length: 17 hrs and 28 mins Language: English Release date: 07-08-13 Publisher: The Great Courses Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 206 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: Russian literature famously probes the depths of the human soul, and in this series of 36 insightful lectures prepared by a frequently honored teacher legendary among educators in both the United States and Russia - you probe just as deeply into the extraordinary legacy that is Russian Literature itself. Professor Weil introduces you to masterpieces such as Tolstoy's War and Peace, Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment, Pushkin's Eugene Onegin, Gogol's Dead Souls, Chekhov's The Seagull, Pasternak's Doctor Zhivago, and many other great novels, stories, plays, and poems. In all, you plunge into more than 40 works by a dozen writers, from Aleksandr Pushkin in the 19th century to Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn in the 20th century. You also investigate the origin of Russian literature itself, which traces its lineage back to powerful epic poetry and beautiful renderings of the Bible into Slavic during the Middle Ages. All of these works are treated in translation, but Professor Weil does something very unusual in the literature-in-translation arena. For almost every passage that he quotes in English, he reads an extract in the original Russian, with a fluent accent and an actor's sense of drama. PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio. Members Reviews: Very Little Analysis - mostly retells the stories Any additional comments? Being a recent college grad, I think professors are getting used to the idea that their students aren't going to read the assigned literature. Instead of teaching the books at a deep level, connecting themes and ideas, the professor simply summarizes the stories. There is a bit of historical and cultural background, and that part is appreciated, but too little is provided. Jump in The Troika for A Ride with Dr. Weil! When I first read--and was deeply moved by--Brothers K four months ago, I very much wanted to learn Russian and read the book in its native Cyrillic. Ohio native Irwin Weil actually followed through on that exact feeling on his first read of Brothers K, making a 40+ year career out of the effort (a career that spanned the Red Scare of the '50s thorugh current day). What Dr. Weil packs into this course is as about as dense as it gets for an audiobook. I read five major Russian titles before coming across this course--an excellent prerequisite. Without those under my belt, this course would have felt like a fire hose of book summaries. But note: this course is as much about Russian history as it is about the literature. Where did the Cyrillic alphabet come from? What does 'tsar' actually mean? Who exactly are the Cossacks? What types of cultural dissonance did the Soviet Union create amongst its people? These questions and more are answered in this course, allowing the student to develop a greater appreciation for the written works. Certainly this review wouldn't be complete without a nod to the passion of Dr. Weil. Northwestern University has an absolute treasure in this man; I couldn't imagine a better person to record this Great Course for the English-speaking audience to appreciate for years to come.

Journey to the Center of the Earth (AmazonClassics Edition) Audiobook by Jules Verne

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Jules Verne) — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 16:06:19 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Journey to the Center of the Earth (AmazonClassics Edition) Author: Jules Verne Narrator: Derek Perkins Format: Unabridged Length: 8 hrs and 45 mins Language: English Release date: 10-24-17 Publisher: Brilliance Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 9 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: A sixteenth-century cryptogram spurs modern geologist Otto Liedenbrock to embark on the most remarkable human quest ever taken. With his nephew and guide, he leads the descent from a dormant Icelandic volcano into the unexplored realm beneath their feet. There, a vast subterranean ocean, prehistoric creatures, and natural phenomena are but a few of the wonders hidden from all but the boldest eyes. Journey to the Center of the Earth epitomizes the subterranean fiction genre. Author Jules Verne leads listeners deep below the world's surface to the core of his inventive, visionary mind. AmazonClassics brings you timeless works from the masters of storytelling. Ideal for anyone who wants to listen to a great work for the first time or rediscover an old favorite, these new editions open the door to literature's most unforgettable characters and beloved worlds. Members Reviews: A Vernian Jouney I forgot how wonderful Verne was at describing an adventure with so many facts that one could actually have no doubt that it would be possible to accomplish! Axel (the narrator) a young man, visits his uncle, Professor Otto Lidenbrock, who is an eccentric academic and adventurer. Lidenbrock has recently purchased a manuscript with Runic inscriptions which he and Axel decipher to be a cryptogram indicating how one can reach the centre of the Earth. Axel is in love with Lidenbrocks goddaughter Gräuben, who promises to wait for him and marry him if he returns. The two leave and find themselves a guide, Hans Bjelke, who helps them reach their goal. The journey leads them from Germany, to Denmark. In Copenhagen they take a boat for several days which gets them to Iceland where the centres entryway is located. Walking through the inside tunnels of a volcano the explorers find fossils, interesting rock formations, water, and many other wonders. The audiobook is fantastic and well-narrated. The performer has a wonderful voice, and very suitable for the text. I loved it!

Finnegans Wake Audiobook by James Joyce

biacuaduc@gmail.com (James Joyce) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 20:05:33 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Finnegans Wake Author: James Joyce Narrator: Cyril Cusack, Siobhan McKenna Format: Abridged Length: 1 hr Language: English Release date: 01-01-12 Publisher: Saland Publishing Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 62 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: Cyril Cusack and Siobhan McKenna read from James Joyce's Finnegans Wake. This idiosyncratic novel is full of multilingual puns and portmanteau words, intended to recreate the experience of sleep and dreams. Members Reviews: Only part of the book This is only part of a 600+ page novel. It was advertised as entire novel. riverrun If you could sum up Finnegans Wake in three words, what would they be? Anna Livia Plurabelle What other book might you compare Finnegans Wake to and why? ? Which character as performed by Cyril Cusack and Siobhan McKenna was your favorite? washer woman Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting? yes - it is hard to pick up in the middle of the story. Have to listen to the whole Any additional comments? too short but lot of fun Aweome but only 2 chapters????? Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why? Yes, but with the caveat that it is only excerpts, not the entire book. What was one of the most memorable moments of Finnegans Wake? the entire reading is lyrical and melodious, just like Joyce intended it to be, I imagine. Its hard to extract one part as "the most memorable". It's not a romance novel. The whole book is a masterpiece. Which scene was your favorite? the scene where I wasted 10 minutes of my life completing this silly box form:) If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be? Lots of fun at Finnegan's Wake! A Great Work... "Finnegan's Wake" is actually a great story. However, many criticisms of it say that it's unreadable and unable to be interpreted. The secret method to understanding "Finnegan's Wake" is understanding that the narrator is speaking, and thus the story is written, with an Irish accent... the letters in the words of the story are meant to create the sound of an Irish accent. It's actually quite an interesting piece, a novel little bit by Joyce. I suggest listening to it after familiarizing yourself with the speech styles of the Irish. :). Amazing Performances What made the experience of listening to Finnegans Wake the most enjoyable? Siobhan McKenna and Cyril Cusak turn in stunning performances. They give such marvelous expression to Joyce's impenetrable prose that the meaning hardly matters. I am content to sit back and let the words wash over me. What other book might you compare Finnegans Wake to and why? Finnegans Wake is in a class by itself. I know of nothing that is comparable. Have you listened to any of Cyril Cusack and Siobhan McKenna s other performances before? How does this one compare? Yes, Their performances of Yeat's poetry are also brilliant. Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting? Yes, but one hour was much too short. I wanted it to go on. So sad that they couldn't have recorded the entire book

Narcissus and Goldmund Audiobook by Hermann Hesse

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Hermann Hesse) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 22:05:45 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Narcissus and Goldmund Author: Hermann Hesse Narrator: Simon Vance Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 41 mins Language: English Release date: 04-01-09 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 308 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: Narcissus and Goldmund is the story of a passionate yet uneasy friendship between two men of opposite character. Narcissus, an ascetic instructor at a cloister school, has devoted himself solely to scholarly and spiritual pursuits. One of his students is the sensual, restless Goldmund, who is immediately drawn to his teacher's fierce intellect and sense of discipline. When Narcissus persuades the young student that he is not meant for a life of self-denial, Goldmund sets off in pursuit of aesthetic and physical pleasures, a path that leads him to a final, unexpected reunion with Narcissus. ©1957 Herman Hesse; (P)2009 BBC Audio Members Reviews: My favorite of Hesse's novels, wonderfully read. In my college years, Hermann Hesse was one author considered required reading by my peers. I read and reread all of his better known novels and found them all worthwhile. But of all of Hesse's work, it is Narcissus and Goldmund that moved me most deeply and it is the novel (of Hesse's) to which I have returned to most often. Like all of Hesse's novels, it is about the the pursuit of the meaning of life, but here the writing is less self-conscious, simpler in some ways, but deeper in the exploring the range of human experience. It has drama, insight, poetic vision and covers a wide range of experiences. It is very Existential in some ways, but touches on the mystical in the arts with a more profound effect than the more "metaphysical" manner of the earlier novels. This novel is about two medieval men with a very deep friendship but with very different temperaments. The meet in a monastery (after the death of Goldmund's mother). They appear to be complete opposites each seeks to bring meaning to their existence; Narcissus seeks peace and salvation (purity of mind) within a religious life in a monastery, while Goldmund is burning with the desire to experience life and throw himself into the world. The story is about finding one's way and being true to one's inner nature. Narcissus lives a life of constraint but one that has purpose for him. Goldmund is unhappy in the monastery, and Narcissus tells him "be yourself, try to realize yourself" and encourages him to find his own way. The men separate to following their own paths. We follow the lives of both of these men, and in their contrasting experiences. Goldmund then wanders the world in search of adventure, love and self-discovery . He has fantastic adventures, experiences the best and worst of humanity surrounded by the Black Plague; and in the mist of all these hardships, he finds meaning and beauty. After being profoundly touched by the beauty of wooden statue of the Madonna, the artist within himself awakens giving a new purpose and direction for his life. He seeks out the artist and becomes his apprentice. He develops his own skills, sacrificing the wild experiences and settling down to work (at least for the duration of the work) and he creates a sculpture of great merit. Hesse writes powerfully and beautifully on the conflict between the Apollonian (understanding; form, order, restraint, conforming, the world of the intellect/mind) and the Dionysian (experience; passion, frivolity, lust, expression, the world of images/symbol/beauty). Hesse is able to bring out the conflict between flesh and spirit, emotion and control, ambition and modesty.

The Red and the Black Audiobook by Stendhal

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Stendhal) — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 12:08:57 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Red and the Black Author: Stendhal Narrator: Bill Homewood Format: Unabridged Length: 22 hrs and 11 mins Language: English Release date: 02-04-11 Publisher: Naxos AudioBooks Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 66 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: Young Julien Sorel, the son of a country timber merchant, carries a portrait of his hero, Napoleon Bonaparte, and dreams of military glory. A brilliant career in the Church leads him into Parisian high society, where, "mounted upon the finest horse in Alsace", he gains high military office and wins the heart of the aristocratic Mlle Mathilde de la Mole. Julien's cunning and ambition lead him into all sorts of scrapes, but it is the struggle between his passion for two beautiful women - the quixotic Mathilde and the loyal Mme de Rênal - which ultimately decides his destiny. Members Reviews: Why? I read this book as assigned reading for a literature class. I finished reading it. I do not know why. Until the teacher explains that to me, my conjecture is that this helps understand the development of novel writing. I cannot think of any other possible reason to read it in 2018. Perhaps my evaluation says more about me than it does about the book. Slow and wordy No, I did not like this book. I disliked the intertwining of its two central themes, one being a criticism of French Bourbon society after the fall of Napoleon and the crazy, unbelievable love affairs. The writing becomes more and more absurd the further you progress into the novel. The language is old-fashioned, formal, complicated and wordy. I was bugged to no end by the excessive use of etcetera and etcetera over and over again. Perhaps that was a translation problem? I am not sure. The book is extremely slow, even if it does pick speed as it nears the end only to fall again to turtle velocity at the conclusion. This is a book of satire and by the end the author's "message" has been pounded into you. Events become absurdly ridiculous. I preferred the more subtle humor at the beginning. The question is - did I ever really laugh? No. I must repeat my earlier statement found below: if this is a book that is supposed to offer a psychological study of characters, why are my feelings toward Julien, the main character, only lukewarm? The famed actor Bill Homewood narrated the audiobook I listened to. The French pronunciation was fine but I disliked his added dramatics, even if perhaps he was merely exaggerating what the author intended to be exaggerated. So I did not enjoy the humor, or the wordy writing, or the incredible romances. I will neither be listening to Homewood again nor reading more books by Stendhal. **************************************** Two-thirds through the audiobook: This is v-e-r-y slow. Be prepared for a multitude of pontificating old men. The language is old-fashioned and formal; it was written in 1830 and is concerned with the upper-classes of French society after the defeat of Napoleon. What is important above all else is your class. Will Julien Sorel be able to escape his class? He is intelligent. He is ambitious. And then there are scandalous love affairs....involving not only Julien but an older woman who really ought to know better because she at least has the experience of age! More importantly, the author's lines do not make me feel either Julien's or her passion. I do not empathize with any character. I do not dislike Julien, but I dislike what he is aspiring to.

The Stories of Vladimir Nabokov Audiobook by Vladimir Nabokov

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Vladimir Nabokov) — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 15:58:48 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Stories of Vladimir Nabokov Author: Vladimir Nabokov Narrator: Arthur Morey Format: Unabridged Length: 31 hrs and 43 mins Language: English Release date: 11-22-10 Publisher: Brilliance Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 73 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: From Vladimir Nabokov, the writer who shocked and delighted the world with his novels Lolita, Pale Fire, and Ada, or Ardor, comes a magnificent collection of stories. Written between the 1920s and the 1950s, these 68 tales 14 of which have been translated into English for the first time - display all the shades of Nabokovs imagination. They range from sprightly fables to bittersweet tales of loss, from claustrophobic exercises in horror to a connoisseurs samplings of the table of human folly. Read as a whole, The Stories of Vladimir Nabokov offers an intoxicating draft of the masters genius, his devious wit, and his ability to turn language into an instrument of ecstasy. This edition includes the newly discovered story Natasha. Critic Reviews: Sumptuous . . . glorious. (The New York Times) "Some of the most nape-tingling prose and devilish inventions in twentieth-century letters. . . . An authentic literary event. (Time) Members Reviews: No discernable beginning or end to the stories. I love Nabokov, especially his short stories, but this production stinks. You can't tell when one story ends and another begins, and I kept on finding myself zoning out while I was listening. For me, a very bad sign with an audiobook. I would happily try this again with another narrator and another production company. A Kaleidoscope of Nabokov Bábochkas In someways reading/listening to Nabokov's stories is like swimming in a turbulent river of all his great themes (doppelgängers, the creative process, loss, nostalgia for Russia, the individual, obsession, dreams/reality, etc). While there were some stories that were masterpieces, the strength of this book really is the ability it gives the Nabokov enthusiast to easily see the development of a great writer from the early 20s to the late 50s. One only needs to read 'Terra Incognita' to see the seeds of his novel 'Ada: or Ardor'. This collection is a must for those who adore Nabokov, but also an interesting introduction to Nabokov for those whose only exposure may be "Lolita'. Here are the stories as they appear in this collection: IN RUSSIAN "The Wood-Sprite" "Russian Spoken Here" "Sounds" "Wingstroke" "Gods" "A Matter of Chance" "The Seaport" "Revenge" "Beneficence" "Details of a Sunset" "The Thunderstorm" "La Veneziana" "Bachmann" "The Dragon" "Christmas" "A Letter That Never Reached Russia" "The Fight" "The Return of Chorb" "A Guide to Berlin" "A Nursery Tale" "Terror" "Razor" "The Passenger" "The Doorbell" "An Affair of Honor" "The Christmas Story" "The Potato Elf" "The Aurelian" "A Dashing Fellow" "A Bad Day" "The Visit to the Museum" "A Busy Man" "Terra Incognita" "The Reunion" "Lips to Lips" "Orache" "Music" "Perfection" "The Admiralty Spire" "The Leonardo" "In Memory of L. I.

Du côté de chez Swann ("À la recherche du temps perdu" lu par de grands

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Marcel Proust) — Wed, 24 May 2017 02:53:51 GMT

Écoutez ce livre audio dans son intégralité gratuitement sur https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> Titre: Du côté de chez Swann ("À la recherche du temps perdu" lu par de grands acteurs 1) Auteur: Marcel Proust Narrateur: André Dussollier, Lambert Wilson Format: Unabridged Durée: 17 hrs and 25 mins Langue: Français Date de publication: 05-24-17 Éditeur: Éditions Thélème Evaluation: 5 sur 5 sur 2 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Résumé de l'éditeur: Du côté de chez Swann est à la fois l'ouverture de toute l'œuvre, et un roman complet, pourvu d'une conclusion, certes provisoire, mais dont la désillusion peut paraître, à qui ne lirait pas plus loin, le dernier mot de La recherche. Cet audio est accompagné d'un document annexe se trouvant dans votre bibliothèque après achat. © domaine public (P)1994 Éditions Thélème Avis des membres: Délicieuse écoute ! André Dussolier est merveilleux en lecteur de prose ! Il prend différentes intonations selon les personnages, effets très convaincants et agréables à écouter. Je recommande cette lecture auditive !!

Siddhartha Audiobook by Herman Hesse

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Herman Hesse) — Tue, 20 Sep 2016 23:47:27 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Siddhartha Author: Herman Hesse Narrator: Paul Ansdell Format: Unabridged Length: 4 hrs and 42 mins Language: English Release date: 09-20-16 Publisher: Dreamscape Media, LLC Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 50 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: Siddhartha, the ninth book written by Herman Hesse, is about a young Indian boy who leaves his home in hopes of finding enlightenment with the wise "Goutama", which in this story is the Buddha. After learning what he can from Goutama, he decides to go off into the busy city, and leads a life of greed and lust. When he realizes that the lifestyle is not fulfilling, and he reflects on his life, he goes to a river and contemplates suicide. However, it is here that Siddhartha meets a man who will change his life and help lead him to enlightenment, in this classic coming-of-age story about finding meaning and purpose. Members Reviews: Beautiful writing and narration. I have been wanting to read this in Deutsch, but my eyes and mind have failed me. This audible version fulfilled a need I have had for decades. I think this is good for anybody at any stage in life. If you don't listen to this whole book, at least listen to the last chapter. The impact of the message will be dampened, but hopefully you will get the main message. With Love, (: A Fellow Human Being :) Meh I understand that the writing style is lyrical, but this was too much like listening to a children's story. Short phrases with basic vocabulary. The narration didn't help much, either, in this sense. My interest only got aroused in the last 10% of the book. The rest of the time I might as well have been half asleep. bit anoying narrator, sadly. What disappointed you about Siddhartha? I heard about 4 hours but i think I have to buy the book with another narrator. What did you like best about this story? Great story!

War and Peace [Russian Edition] Audiobook by Leo Tolstoy

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Leo Tolstoy) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 16:02:45 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: War and Peace [Russian Edition] Author: Leo Tolstoy Narrator: Evgeniy Ternovskiy Format: Unabridged Length: 73 hrs and 53 mins Language: English Release date: 12-01-11 Publisher: New Internet Technologies Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 33 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: War and Peace broadly focuses on Napoleon's invasion of Russia in 1812 and follows three of the most well-known characters in literature: Pierre Bezukhov, the illegitimate son of a count who is fighting for his inheritance and yearning for spiritual fulfillment; Prince Andrei Bolkonsky, who leaves his family behind to fight in the war against Napoleon; and Natasha Rostov, the beautiful young daughter of a nobleman who intrigues both men. As Napoleon's army invades, Tolstoy brilliantly follows characters from diverse backgrounds - peasants and nobility, civilians and soldiers - as they struggle with the problems unique to their era, their history, and their culture. And as the novel progresses, these characters transcend their specificity, becoming some of the most moving - and human - figures in world literature. Please note: This audiobook is in Russian. Members Reviews: The chapters of the book are not in order! What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you? I could have loved it, but the chapters are not in the correct order and it is very difficult to follow the story. It was a struggle and a fairly bad experience! I have read this book in the past, so I have managed to figure the order out. It would be a waste of time for anyone who was not familiar with the book! Any additional comments? Please edit the recording and fix the order of the chapters! The chapters are not in order Any additional comments? I loved War and Peace when I read it last summer so I decided to listen to it in original Russian. This book recording is seriously messed up. Chapters and books are not in order and it is hard to follow. Or should I say it is impossible to follow unless you read the book and know the text pretty well. Amazing quality and loved the narration!! Im trying to improve my Russian by listening to Russian audiobooks. This one a perfect book and it had a lot to do with the reader. I loved it so much I looked the movie to watch as well. AUDIBLE 20 REVIEW SWEEPSTAKES ENTRY Brilliant story and outstanding narrating What did you like best about this story? I loved how narrator read the story quite "matter-of-fact"ly, leaving the story to raise all necessary drama and emotions. Very good job done by narrator indeed. Life itself It is no accident that War and Peace has been called an epic novel - events and people's lives unravel with astonishing detail. However how could it be any different when Tolstoy writes about life itself and it is in the detail, as well is in the significant events. I gave 4 stars for the story simply because for me, for all its length, it finished rather suddenly. I understand that the story of the characters was not the primary goal of the novel, but rather the monumental events that took place and the characters were there to serve as an explanation for why the Napoleon invasion of Russia developed as it did; they simply revealed the spirit of the Russian people. However, a reader needs closure and it felt like there was not much of that. Nevertheless, what a story - I would recommend to everyone to read it.

On the Social Contract Audiobook by Jean-Jacques Rousseau

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Jean-Jacques Rousseau) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 19:21:17 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: On the Social Contract Author: Jean-Jacques Rousseau Narrator: Erik Sandval Format: Unabridged Length: 5 hrs and 4 mins Language: English Release date: 07-16-09 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 88 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: On the Social Contract's appeal and influence has been wide-ranging and continuous. It has been called an encomium to democracy and, at the same time, a blueprint for totalitarianism. Individualists, collectivists, anarchists, and socialists have all taken courage from Rousseau's controversial masterpiece. Members Reviews: A classic What did you love best about On the Social Contract? Interesting to understand the philosophy. Did Erik Sandval do a good job differentiating all the characters? How? A pretty dry read on the narrators part but clearly understood. Classic. Must read. Adding this to our family canon of books to read. Required reading for citizens of free societies. Thank you sir! Sounds naive in 21st century, but if you factor in when it was written! It's a monumental work form the first letter to the end. A solid foundation political science It's easy to see why the founding fathers or inspired by this book. It provides a solid foundation on the rights and responsibilities of the citizens of a state. great book the book was insightful and answers many questions swirling in my mind yet the narrator was quite boring

The Count of Monte Cristo Audiobook by Alexander Dumas

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Alexander Dumas) — Wed, 24 Dec 2014 03:26:06 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Count of Monte Cristo Author: Alexander Dumas Narrator: Peter Batchelor Format: Unabridged Length: 43 hrs and 57 mins Language: English Release date: 12-24-14 Publisher: Trout Lake Media Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 255 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: An adventure story primarily concerned with themes of hope, justice, vengeance, mercy, and forgiveness, The Count of Monte Cristo focuses on a man who is wrongfully imprisoned, escapes from jail, acquires a fortune, and sets about getting revenge on those responsible for his imprisonment. However, his plans have devastating consequences for the innocent as well as the guilty. Considered a literary classic today, The Count of Monte Cristo has become a fixture of Western literature, as inescapable and immediately identifiable as Mickey Mouse, Noah's flood, and the story of Little Red Riding Hood. Complete and unabridged; a 55-hour epic adventure! Members Reviews: It's fine... until it skips chunks of the story What disappointed you about The Count of Monte Cristo? I only have two problems with this recording of the book: 1) It's missing parts of the book. Therefore, unusable. 2) The narration is dreadfully irritating at times (e.g. the entire Louis Vamper sequence is like listening to a pig butchering) What did you like best about this story? The book is one of the best there is. But not this recording. What didnt you like about Peter Batchelors performance? It's fine during normal narrator-speak. The minute he tries to do a woman or an Italian, all bets are off. If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from The Count of Monte Cristo? It's unabridged, so none. Enjoyed but... It was very well done. However ch 26 and 56 are incomplete. I compared to my well worn hard copy. Classic Dumas is a genius. The story has so many characters and twists and turns that I benefitted from reading it twice to catch all the nuances. Also helpful was Wikipedias breakdown of the characters and plot! Hope. Always. Greatly performed This is an incredible story and Peter Batchelor does a fantastic job ensuring that all the voices and accents remain with their proper characters throughout the entire read. If you haven't read/listened to the Count of Monte Cristo, then this is the best way to do it. An Old And Wonderful Classic: The Count Of Monte Cristo 5 Stars given for all categories as Alexandre Dumas has written a fully descriptive tale that is keeping this reader enthralled from the first word in the first chapter. I must admit that I have seen the movie first and that I did compare the movie to the book. After the first 40 or so chapters I have now forgotten the comparison and am now hanging on to every word and paragraph of the book. After having read a few classic books from the 17 and 18 hundreds, my opinion is that The Count Of Monte Cristo far exceeds all others in its genre except for, maybe, Dumas' own The Three Musceteers. The performance by the reader is bang on as he tries, and succeeds, to put a different voice, even though subtly changed in a few, for each character that is introduced. Certainly he makes some small errors, though he professionally continues on as he makes his corrections: that is why the 5 stars for his performance. I can hardly wait to hear what will happen next. The book is so much better than the movie! Bravo!!

The Phantom of the Opera Audiobook by Gaston Leroux

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Gaston Leroux) — Fri, 21 Apr 2017 13:33:17 GMT

The Metamorphosis and Other Stories Audiobook by Franz Kafka

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Franz Kafka) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 04:30:45 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Metamorphosis and Other Stories Author: Franz Kafka Narrator: George Guidall Format: Unabridged Length: 8 hrs and 46 mins Language: English Release date: 12-16-11 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 102 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: In the bizarre world of Franz Kafka, salesmen turn into giant bugs, apes give lectures at college academies, and nightmares probe the mysteries of modern humanitys unhappiness. More than any other modern writer in world literature, Kafka captures the loneliness and misery that fill the lives of 20th-century humanity. The Metamorphosis and Other Stories reveals the authors extraordinary talent in a variety of formsprose poems, short stories, sketches, allegories, and novelettesand showcases the straightfaced humor, startling psychological insight, and haunting imagination for which he is revered as a modern master. In this brilliant new translation, prizewinning translator Joachim Neugroschel preserves the delicate balance, rich timbre, and wondrous language of Kafkas original works. In addition to "The Metamorphosis", this collection includes "Early Stories", "Contemplation", "The Judgement", "The Stoker", "In the Penal Colony", and "A Country Doctor". Members Reviews: Excellent Translation, Excellent Narration! Would you listen to The Metamorphosis and Other Stories again? Why? Of course! I return to this book again and again when other fiction is not satisfying. Kafka has such a unique voice and such a masterful ability to entrance the reader. Joachim Neugroschel's translation captures Kafka's dark humor (and ability to maintain the fictional dream) much better than the Muir's translations did. Any additional comments? "A Country Doctor" and "In the Penal Colony" are the best kafka What did you love best about The Metamorphosis and Other Stories? The reader was excellent. We really enjoyed the pre- lecture regarding the language and nationalism and judism. We recommend both the reader and the book. We also had never read or listened to the short stories, which were a bonus. Who was your favorite character and why? gregor - he fought to maintain his human-ness. Have you listened to any of George Guidalls other performances before? How does this one compare? Yes, oh yes. We pick books that are unknown and read by him based solely on his narration. He was excellent reading Kafka. Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting? No. Too Kafkaesque For Me My title, as I pray you guessed, is a bad joke. This audiobook is as close to a perfect execution as is possible when having to make editorial decisions left and right due to the author being dead for .... Well he has been dead for a long time. No one can dispute that. The artistic liberties that had to be forcefully undertaken in each of the included story's translation (German & Belgian to English) were flawless. I haven't seen as good a job in that respect since the audiobook incarnation of The Cyberiad by Stanislaw Lem (available on Audible too). Both works left me scratching my head trying to figure how such beautiful alliteration and pun could have POSSIBLY been kept in tact while still holding true to the original works. REALLY GREAT listen. Top marks. 10.00 / 10.00 Frsutrated What did you love best about The Metamorphosis and Other Stories? The thing that frustrates me the most about this collection in its audible format , is one doesn't know what short story one is listening g too. They are not listed in the chapter heading or introduced at the start of the said story being read.

Books That Have Made History: Books That Can Change Your Life Audiobook by The Great Courses

biacuaduc@gmail.com (The Great Courses) — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 03:01:16 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Books That Have Made History: Books That Can Change Your Life Author: The Great Courses Narrator: Professor Rufus J. Fears Format: Original Recording Length: 18 hrs and 30 mins Language: English Release date: 07-08-13 Publisher: The Great Courses Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 740 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: Tackle these questions and more in these 36 engaging lectures. Beginning with his definition of a Great Book as one that possesses a great theme of enduring importance, noble language that "elevates the soul and ennobles the mind," and a universality that enables it to "speak across the ages," Professor Fears examines a body of work that offers extraordinary wisdom to those willing to receive it. You'll study dozens of works, from the Aeneid and the book of Job to Othello and 1984 - works that range in time from the 3rd millennium B.C. to the 20th century, and in locale from Mesopotamia and China to Europe and America. Professor Fears approaches each of these works from an entirely different direction, considering philosophical and moral perspectives that superbly complement a purely literary understanding.Grasping these philosophical and moral perspectives is crucial to the education of every thoughtful person. These works that have shaped the minds of great individuals, who, in turn, have shaped events of historic magnitude. You'll study the underlying ideas of each great work to see how these ideas can be put to use in a moral and ethical life."History is our sense of the past," Professor Fears says. "And these Great Books are our links to the great ideas of the past. They educate us to live our lives in a free and responsible way." PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio. Members Reviews: A course that will open you to new ideas. This course is about exploring the greatest books ever written that changed the world. It also explains why they are great and how they affected those around them. Professor Fears is a great lecturer and always keeps things interesting. Each lecture is around a half hour each so great to listen to on your commute or when you have a short time to devote to the lecture. The books per Prof. Fears are: 1. Letters and Papers from Prison by Dietrich Bonhoeffer 2. Homer 's Illyiad 3. Meditations by Marcus Aurelius 4. Bhagavad Gita 5. Exodus by Moses 6. The book of Mark in the New Testament 7. Koran 8. Gilgamesh 9. Beowolf 10. Job 11. Oresteia by Aeschylus 12. The Bacchae by Euripides 13. Phaedo by Plato 14. The Divine Comedy by Dante 15. Othello by W Shakespeare 16. Prometheus Bound 17. Gulag Archipelago by Solzhenitsyn 18. Julius Caesar by W Shakespeare 19. 1984 by George Orwell 20. The Aeneid by Virgil 21. Gettysburg Address by A Lincoln 22. Pericles Funeral Speech 23. All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque 24. Confucius 25. The Prince by Machiavelli 26. Plato's Republic 27. On Liberty by John Stuart Mill 28. Le Morte d'Arthur by Thomas Mallory 29. Faust Parts One and Two by Goethe 30. Walden by Henry David Thoreau 31. Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire by Gibbons 32. Lord Acton's History of Liberty 33. On Duties by Cicero 34. Autobiography of Mohandas Gandhi 35. My Early Life, The Second World War series and Painting as a Pastime by Winston Churchill The last lecture goes over the books quickly and talks about the lessons taught and that the best way to pursue knowledge is to open your minds and meditate on each book in order to let what the author is trying to tell you sink in. I highly recommend this class.

The Death of Ivan Ilyich Audiobook by Leo Tolstoy

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Leo Tolstoy) — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 23:28:02 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Death of Ivan Ilyich Author: Leo Tolstoy Narrator: Simon Prebble Format: Unabridged Length: 2 hrs and 36 mins Language: English Release date: 07-28-11 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 872 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: Hailed as one of the worlds masterpieces of psychological realism, The Death of Ivan Ilyich is the story of a worldly careerist, a high-court judge who has never given the inevitability of his death so much as a passing thought. But one day death announces itself to him, and to his shocked surprise, he is brought face-to-face with his own mortality. How, Tolstoy asks, does an unreflective man confront his one and only moment of truth? The first part of the story portrays Ivan Ilyichs colleagues and family after he has died, as they discuss the effect of his death on their careers and fortunes. In the second part, Tolstoy reveals the life of the man whose death seems so trivial. The perfect bureaucrat, Ilyich treasured his orderly domestic and office routine. Diagnosed with an incurable illness, he at first denies the truth but is influenced by the simple acceptance of his servant boy, and he comes to embrace the boys belief that death is natural and not shameful. He comforts himself with happy memories of childhood and gradually realizes that he has ignored all his inner yearnings as he tried to do what was expected of him. Will Ilyich be able to come to terms with himself before his life ebbs away? This short novel was the artistic culmination of a profound spiritual crisis in Tolstoys own life, a nine-year period following the publication of Anna Karenina, during which he wrote not a word of fiction. A thoroughly absorbing glimpse into the abyss of death, it is also a strong testament to the possibility of finding spiritual salvation. Critic Reviews: Written more than a century ago, Tolstoys work still retains the power of a contemporary novel." (Publishers Weekly) Members Reviews: Elegant, simple, and true "But however much he thought, he found no answer [why he was dying]. And when it occurred to him, as it often did, that it was all happening because he had not lived right, he at once recalled all the correctness of his life and drove the strange thought away." This is the elegant story of the agonizing decline of a most average of men until his premature death. Ivan Ilyich leads the life most of us lead, driven by career, climbing the social ladder, and supporting his family, never stopping to reflect until bedridden by his illness. His perspective of life and the world around him changes profoundly when he finally begins to question brutal truths, causing him to lose tolerance for the attitudes and ways of those closest to him, including his former healthy self. "I am leaving life with the consciousness that I have lost all that was given me, and there's no correcting it, then what?" Meanwhile, those around him show no interest in the least to understand his circumstances or to understand what he has come to know as sacred truth, and the frustration he suffers from their denials cause him more suffering than his illness. Meanwhile, they anticipate his death and upon its arrival do not rejoice, but rather use it as their own means to achieve the same things which he had previously been working towards: career advancement, climbing the social ladder, and supporting their families. In short, they treat his death for the purposes of those things in which he had finally seen the folly in the last months of his life. At it's essence, the story is about the human capacity to change and learn as lives evolve, and that it's never too late to find peace.

The Three Musketeers Audiobook by Alexandre Dumas

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Alexandre Dumas) — Sat, 01 Feb 2014 16:57:15 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Three Musketeers Author: Alexandre Dumas Narrator: Bill Homewood Format: Unabridged Length: 26 hrs and 7 mins Language: English Release date: 02-01-14 Publisher: Naxos AudioBooks Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 278 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: Romance, treachery, courage...The Three Musketeers has it all! In one of the greatest adventure stories ever written, the dashing young swordsman D'Artagnan and his daredevil companions Athos, Aramis, and Porthos, become embroiled in duels, love-tangles, and sinister intrigues which threaten the future of King, Queen, and France herself. Members Reviews: classic and well narrated classic literature a must listen. narrator has great accent that brings the book alive. will order more from this author and narrator Great book. There is a part towards the end where it gets REALLY slow and I know there was some interesting bits but for about an hour or maybe two it kinda drags when it could of been better. But I loved the story it was my first time through it. master piece great read, books by Alexander Dumas are like artwork. great narrator amazing story one of the best of Alexander Dumas narratives Take the Long Road Home...the Best Audible Would you listen to The Three Musketeers again? Why? Not only a re listen but the stimulus to a listen to all of Dumas with the COUNT having the slight edge. This is captivating, humorous, luminous, intriguing. This is 21st century writing in the guise of the 17thC court. These are heroes, villains and a wonderful stew of retribution in every shade. This is not a kid's book, this is not your GrandMa's Dumas, this is not stodge. This is joy, laugh out loud and yelling from the top row: 'Get the villain...watch out'. What other book might you compare The Three Musketeers to and why? The Count of Monte Cristo has a sharper edge and plot line with a single protagonist and a singular path to revenge BUT the Musketeers are droll, driven by honor and seduction and never failing in their devotion. Which scene was your favorite? There is a wonderful, conflicted attempt of D'Artagnon to save the reputation of Anne of Austria; Queen of France and lover of the Duke of Buckingham. Beware of starting this section at midnight as your partner will see the light burn for the next hours Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry? Laughter, guffaws, belly cries and the reduction of any desire to ever 'get even' Dumas never disappoints! Fabulous characters. Wonderful adventure. Classic Dumas. Compelling story with a performance that manages to give voice to each character in his or her own accent/dialect thus making the story come to life. Absolutely recommend for males and females of all ages. The Three Muskateers hasn't lost its flavor through the course of time. It's appeal is universal. I thoroughly enjoyed this Audible book.

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea Audiobook by Jules Verne

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Jules Verne) — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 12:34:59 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea Author: Jules Verne Narrator: David McCallion Format: Unabridged Length: 11 hrs and 10 mins Language: English Release date: 02-02-15 Publisher: A.R.N. Publications Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 37 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea by Jules Verne follows the adventures of the mysterious captain Nemo and his incredible submarine, the Nautilus. Joining the captain on his epic journey around the world is Professor Pierre Aronnax, his servant Conseil, and the Canadian whaler Ned Land. These three become guests of the reclusive submariner when they are washed overboard on a ship that is tracking the Nautilus, believing that it is some kind of giant sea creature. Once introduced to their unusual host they join him on his journey through the seas. On their travels they will witness some of the most incredible sights: lost cities, legendary shipwrecks, the most amazing sea creatures that man will ever see, and much more. But what secrets will the three visitors find out about this strange man along the way? Who is he? Where does he come from? And what is his reason for building this awe-inspiring vessel which now roams the oceans of the world? This book was first published in 1870 and was considered very much ahead of its time. It remains to this day one of the greatest science fiction/adventure novels ever, and is widely considered to be Verne's best work. It is brought to life by the wonderful talents of David McCallion. His voice will have you on the edge of your seat as he imbues each of these characters with personality. Members Reviews: AMAZING Performance!!! The beauty of writing about the sea is that there is so much - both known and unknown - that lies beneath the waters surface, which makes any tale about it intriguing yet at the same time terrifying. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea is a fascinating tale about just how far people are willing to go to find out what exists underneath the ocean, and in Professor Pierre Aronnaxs case, the initial journey to investigate what some people think is a sea monster becomes one of the most frightening and emotional adventures he has ever embarked on in his entire life. David McCallion gives a tremendous reading of this incredible classic, and it is so impressive how he is able to switch between not just characters and personalities, but between accents, as well! He clearly captures the elements of adventure, suspense, and joy at appropriate times throughout the novel, acting like the map that we as the reader need to navigate the deep seas with each of the characters! The very end of the book is the part that I love the most; ending with a touch of suspense and a lot of mystery. Spectacular Classic Would you listen to 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea again? Why? Yes, I would listen to 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea again. It is a keystone classic of science fiction and horror along with Frankenstein, Dracula, and the writings of Edgar Allen Poe. This is quite an adventure. For those who have seen only movie adaptations, please read the book instead. Who was your favorite character and why? Nemo was dark and foreboding, but I love Conseil for humor. Aronnax calls him a servant and "boy," but the man is smart and compassionate. Ned Land's obsession with meat and freedom also resonated with me. They are all great characters trapped on a submarine. What does David McCallion bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book? He is skilled at portraying different characters. I was amazed he can switch character voices so deftly.

Within a Budding Grove Audiobook by Marcel Proust, C. K. Scott Moncrieff (translator)

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Marcel Proust) — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 01:22:15 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Within a Budding Grove Subtitle: Remembrance of Things Past, Volume 2 Author: Marcel Proust, C. K. Scott Moncrieff (translator) Narrator: Neville Jason Format: Unabridged Length: 25 hrs and 33 mins Language: English Release date: 04-04-12 Publisher: Naxos AudioBooks Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 131 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: Remembrance of Things Past is one of the monuments of 20th century literature. Neville Jasons widely praised abridged version has rightly become an audiobook landmark and now, upon numerous requests, he is recording the whole work unabridged which, when complete, will run for some 140 hours. Within a Budding Grove is the second of seven volumes. The young narrator, experiencing his youthful sexuality, falls under the spell of a group of adolescent girls, succumbs to the charms of the enchanting Gilberte, and visits a brothel where he meets Rachel. His impressions of life are also stimulated by the painter, Elstir, and his encounter with another girl, Albertine. Members Reviews: One young nubile girl and then another ... My first recommendation when reading Proust is the reader MUST make sure they have a reliable bookmark, because when (not if, but when) you lose your place your faulty memory will not be able to remember exactly where you just were. One young nubile girl starts to blend into another young nubile girl who looks at this point a lot like her friend. One picked flower starts to smell like another from an earlier page; a page that seemed to exist a whole lifetime ago. One young man with mommy issues starts to look almost exactly like another young man with grand-mommy issues. That being said, you don't read Proust for the lines. You read Proust for everything else. It is those moments between plot points where all the rich texture resides. There is something languorous about just simply letting Proust's prose wash over you ~~~ wave after wave. Suddenly, you really don't care if you've already read a certain page because you are content and you recognize that you will read it again in just a few pages anyway and it will be beautiful and true all over again. Neville Jason's narration is a fantastic crutch. I use the narration to keep me paced as I read the text. I tried this approach first with Joyce and it worked so well I used it with Pynchon. The listening/reading approach is perfect for Proust. Jason Brings Proust to Life Would you consider the audio edition of Within a Budding Grove to be better than the print version? Yes Which character as performed by Neville Jason was your favorite? Baron de Charlus Any additional comments? I have just listened to all seven volumes of In Search of Lost Time so these comments apply to the whole series. Jason's narration of this poetic work is "sans pareil." He gives all the characters a distinctive voice making it much easier to follow.His pronunciation of the french names is impeccable. His English pronunciation is almost as good. Given Jason's mid-Atlantic plummy accent and the work's preoccupation with the upper class, his pronunciation of (the unfortunately frequently recurring word) "analogous" is teeth grating. (Hint: it should be pronounced with a hard "g.") Nevertheless, Bravo Neville! (and of course Proust) Philosophy and Psychology in guise of Literature If one is not emotionally repulsed by the snobbery and pretentious French world at the time of the Dreyfus affair described within this book than one probably is missing out on what the author is trying to get at. Volume I needs to be read in order to follow what's going on in this book.

Cranford Audiobook by Elizabeth Gaskell

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Elizabeth Gaskell) — Thu, 27 Jan 2005 16:58:17 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Cranford Author: Elizabeth Gaskell Narrator: Nadia May Format: Unabridged Length: 6 hrs and 55 mins Language: English Release date: 01-27-05 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 192 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: This critically up-to-date edition includes Gaskell's essay "The Last Generation in England", containing reminiscences of her childhood in Knutsford, and the comic story "The Cage at Cranford", as well as a lucid new introduction that discusses the originality and subtlety of Gaskell's portrayal of women's experience. Members Reviews: Brilliantly read Wonderful delivery of the charming story. Hours of pleasure that do not pale - worth every penny, you will laugh and cry over the inhabitants of Cranford. Wistfully Charming Story Elizabeth Gaskell came to my attention through Jane Austen's novels. While her writing style is more loquacious than Austen's, Gaskell's gentle sentimentality, reflected through her character Mattie's hopes and disappointments for love and marriage, made the novel more memorable than many of Austen's novels whose heroines always get the most honorable guy of flawless character. Gaskell is more realistic yet created characters who are endearing. Both writers use satire and Austen has more precise and succinct prose, but Gaskell demonstrated human frailty and how friends, companions and the community, in spite of irksomeness, make life tolerable through unspoken kindness and understanding. Elizabeth Gaskell + Nadia May= Great Entertainment Would you listen to Cranford again? Why? Yes, it rocks! It is so funny and witty! What other book might you compare Cranford to and why? Anything by Elizabeth Gaskell or Jane Austen Which scene was your favorite? Spooky walk at night Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting? YES Any additional comments? Love it and love Audible! Cranford I am sorry to say that I did not enjoy this book as much as I have other books by this author. There are some funny statements threaded through the book but I had difficulty holding onto the plot, if there was one. Lovely Story. Women run Cranford's society on different levels but they are all of one community. I love these stories about old English villages & society. Different generations of these ladies & their lives all come together in this sweet narrative which draws you right into their company. The narrator is wonderful & captured each character to a "tee".

Dracula Audiobook by Bram Stoker

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Bram Stoker) — Tue, 03 Oct 2017 14:16:15 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Dracula Author: Bram Stoker Narrator: Greg Wise, Saskia Reeves Format: Unabridged Length: 18 hrs and 13 mins Language: English Release date: 10-03-17 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 7 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: Told in journal fragments that cannot provide any single perspective, Bram Stoker's masterpiece is at the same time intensely romantic and very modern. It unfolds the story of a Transylvanian Don Juan, the aristocratic vampire Count Dracula who preys on damsels, and the mission launched from a lunatic asylum to destroy him. Members Reviews: ... to read this since it is represented on many great novels lists but can't give it 4 or 5 ... Had to read this since it is represented on many great novels lists but can't give it 4 or 5 stars; but I can give it a solid 3.5 stars. No doubt the book established the norm for Vampires and Gothic literature to which it deserves it's high standing, but is weak in it's repetitive verbiage regarding the constant praising of the main women characters of the story, Lucy and Mina. Once you endure that the story line is captivating and well worth reading. After all it is a classic and has been a favorite for many years. On a side note, I found it interesting to go to maps on my computer to locate the area where Count Dracula lived, Transylvania, and especially the mountain pass near his castle. Even though the story is fiction the places well described in the book become real when you see the surroundings and locations on a map. The Dracula I Never Knew On a recent trip to Romania, I decide to finally go back and read Dracula (had to get tips for how to protect myself). It's a really great story, told through a series of journal entries by all the major characters. Like many novels of its era, the plot velocity is patchy. It starts of well enough and then slows in the middle, finishing rapidly, almost in a rush. If you find yourself getting bored in the middle, force yourself to keep going. It does pay off in the end. The plot is somewhat predictable, but that's also because we've had over 100 years to absorb it. What struck me most about the original story is how much I didn't really know it. Rather, I had been indoctrinated by decades of movies and TV series that all put their own unique spin on vampires and those have so enmeshed with popular culture that nobody knows about the original. So, do yourself a favor and give this a read. It's free and the Kindle version is pretty well formatted and usable. My favorite novel of all time Don't know why, but I love this book. I started reading it again a few days ago. This is about the 8th time I've read it, and it never gets old. I love the romantic language and the chaste, Victorian attitudes. I love the way the horror and terror of Count Dracula is gradually revealed, the frustration and tragic pain of his pursuers, the cat-and-mouse game they play. Who is the pursued and who is the pursuer? I've always marveled that there is no dialogue, per se, in the entire book. Every line of the book is a diary entry, journal entry, newspaper article, bill of lading, telegraph, etc. How he weaves this together into a such a compelling story fascinates me every time I read it. The ending of the book is so exciting, so dramatic, that I am always amazed that, when adapted to a movie, they screw it up every time thinking that their ending is somehow superior. I wish someone would someday faithfully adapt the book to a movie, but after 100 years of bad Dracula movies, that doesn't seem likely.

The Man in the Iron Mask Audiobook by Alexandre Dumas

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Alexandre Dumas) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 05:24:52 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Man in the Iron Mask Author: Alexandre Dumas Narrator: Simon Vance Format: Unabridged Length: 22 hrs and 8 mins Language: English Release date: 02-18-10 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 433 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: Thirty-five years after the events of The Three Musketeers, dArtagnan, Athos, Porthos, and Aramis find themselves caught between conflicting loyalties in a power struggle that could change the face of the French monarchy. For eight long years, a young prisoner has languished within the dreaded Bastille, his face hidden in an iron mask. He knows neither his true identity nor the crime for which he has been imprisoned. But Aramis knows this secreta secret so dangerous, it could topple the King from his throne! Will his cause divide the once indivisible band of musketeers? A tale of mystery, adventure, and political intrigue, this conclusion to Dumas swashbuckling musketeer saga is based on the true story of a masked prisoner who dwelled in the Bastille during the Louis XIVs reign and whose identity remains in question to this day. Critic Reviews: This swashbuckling conclusion to Dumass musketeer saga pits the brave band of heroes against each other in a power struggle that could change the face of the French monarchy. No part of the world has ever seemed to me so charming as these pages, and not even my friends are quite so real, perhaps quite so dear, as dArtagnan. (Robert Louis Stevenson) The name Alexandre Dumas is more than Frenchit is universal. (Victor Hugo) Members Reviews: The Musketeers Get Old The four musketeers age and are near the end of their careers. Huge disappointment after reading "The Black Count", the bio about Dumas' father, and "The Three Musketeers". There is intrigue, and witty solutions, for the dangers our heroes get into and adventure. However, it dragged out way too long. And, when the man is put into the iron mask, that part of the story simply ends. I thought it would resolve later. Many historical figures, Louis XIV, Jean-Baptiste Colbert (treasurer), Nicolas Fouquet (Superintendent of France), and several of the king's mistresses. Great story Any additional comments? This story was not as thrilling as The Count of Monte Cristo but still a very good story. A little disappointing After the buildup in the previous two novels (Comte de Bragelone and La Valliere), I thought the climax and denouement of the plot involving the man in the iron mask happened and especially ended too soon. Some of the actions of the King Louis XIV are a little unbelievable based on what happens in the book. The best part of the novel is the interactions among the four musketeers. And I thought the way Dumas completes each of these four characters at the end of the novel was well done. I enjoyed the narrator and thought he chose excellent voices for the characters. Not very pleased. Essentially, it covers the four musketeers thirty-five years later where Aramis knows a state secret and attempts to over throw the king. However, it barely involves the poor soul condemned to the iron mask, not justification is ever redeemed, and we find ourselves mourning the lost of some beloved characters. The Three Musketeers was about the beginning of four intertwined souls and the Man in the Iron Mask is about their ending. Out of all of Dumas works that I have read, I am the least pleased with this one. I enjoyed the finale of the D'Artagnan books This last volume of the D'Artagnan books continues directly from the volume Louise de la Valliere. The story is engrossing with many plot twists. I enjoyed the whole series.

Classic French Short Stories, Volume 1 Audiobook

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Jean Paul Sartre) — Thu, 20 Jul 2006 08:31:21 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Classic French Short Stories, Volume 1 Author: Jean Paul Sartre, Guy de Maupassant, Anatole France, Albert Camus Narrator: Charlton Griffin Format: Unabridged Length: 6 hrs Language: English Release date: 07-20-06 Publisher: Audio Connoisseur Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 57 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: An Incident in the Reign of Terror by Honore de Balzac A mysterious man follows a nun to her hiding place in order to say a midnight mass. The Wall by Jean Paul Sartre The master of existentialism takes us on a journey into raw fear as felt by three men facing execution during the Spanish Civil War. Omphale by Theophile Gautier A delightful tale of a young man's unusual first love. Father Gauchet's Elixir by Alphonse Daudet In this hilarious tale, a remote monastery in the French countryside decides to go into the spirits business...alcoholic spirits that is. In the Moonlight by Guy de Maupassant When a French priest finds his niece involved in a romance, his religious obsessions threaten to erupt into violence. An epiphany intervenes. The Procurator of Judaea by Anatole France Set in the ancient Roman Empire, this is an intriguing conversation between two well connected Romans, one of whom is Pontius Pilate. The Guest by Albert Camus Set in French colonial Algiers, this is a story of how a French teacher is made to suddenly experience the fear and hostility of being an outsider in a hostile land. The Little Bouilloux Girl by Colette Growing to womanhood in a provincial French village is the subject of this marvelous story. The Duel by Alexandre Dumas The master of the adventure novel tells a tale of an unusual duel. But the ultimate victims of this affair turn out to be not only both the duelists, but a third party, as well. The Walker-Through-Walls by Marcel Ayme This comic tale is about a man with miraculous powers. At first, he is content to play practical jokes, then he moves on to burglary and high romance. Members Reviews: Great intro to French lit Dumas has written so much that is classic, it's easy to overlook the other great storytellers of France. This volume makes for a good introduction. Perhaps the most terrible reading of anything ever What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you? I found it nearly impossible to get anything from this because both performance & presentation are so bad. The reading manages to be both overblown and robotic. Clearly the reader has little or no real engagement with the material & falls back on bad acting, cliche and guesswork where understanding, subtlety and nuance are required. A real shame as I was pleased to find some English translations of classic French literature on audible. What was one of the most memorable moments of Classic French Short Stories, Volume 1? The appalling & off putting music springs toMind How could the performance have been better? In so many ways. Nuance, subtlety & a sense that the reader had engaged with the texts would be a start though. You didnt love this book--but did it have any redeeming qualities? Great writing. Any additional comments? More translations of French lit would be nice. Particularly if done well. Computer or human Could not work out if the narator was human, or a computer. The voice often sounded like a voice recogniton programme. Not the easiest listen from Audible.

The Birth of the Modern Mind: The Intellectual History of the 17th and 18th Centuries Audiobook

biacuaduc@gmail.com (The Great Courses) — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 08:20:39 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Birth of the Modern Mind: The Intellectual History of the 17th and 18th Centuries Author: The Great Courses Narrator: Professor Alan Charles Kors Format: Original Recording Length: 12 hrs and 33 mins Language: English Release date: 07-08-13 Publisher: The Great Courses Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 111 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: Revolutions in thought (as opposed to those in politics or science) are in many ways the most far-reaching of all. They affect how we grant legitimacy to authority, define what is possible, create standards of right and wrong, and even view the potential of human life. Between 1600 and 1800, such a revolution of the intellect seized Europe, shaking the minds of the continent as few things before or since. What we now know as the Enlightenment challenged previously accepted ways of understanding reality, bringing about modern science, representative democracy, and a wave of wars, sparking what Professor Kors calls, "perhaps the most profound transformation of European, if not human, life." In this series of 24 insightful lectures, you'll explore the astonishing conceptual and cultural revolution of the Enlightenment. You'll witness in its tumultuous history the birth of modern thought in the dilemmas, debates, and extraordinary works of the 17th and 18th-century mind, as wielded by the likes of thinkers like Bacon, Descartes, Hobbes, Pascal, Newton, Locke, Hume, Voltaire, Diderot, and Rousseau. And you'll understand why educated Europeans came to believe that they had a new understanding - of thought and the human mind, of method, of nature, and of the uses of knowledge - with which they could come to know the world correctly for the first time in human history, and with which they could rewrite the possibilities of human life. PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio. Members Reviews: Astonishingly engaging Professor Kors has an uncanny ability to enter into the spirit and motivations of the creative minds of this period, and to convey the drama and implications of their discoveries and creations. I am a voracious reader of history, philosophy, and intellectual history, and I have learned so much, and now have so many tempting side trails to explore. This man loves his subject, and would be just my kind of conversation partner: a delight. Fascinating Period, Brilliantly Explained I purchased "The Birth of the Modern Mind" after being captivated by Professor Kors lectures on Voltaire. There is a little overlap with Voltaire of course, but even more helpful was the clear and fascinating description of what came before and what evolved in the 17th and 18th Centuries. Development of ideas, thought, science, big questions of religion and philosophy of the times are accessible through the professor's enthusiastic and knowledgeable presentation. As in his Great Courses book on Voltaire, each half-hour lecture is dense with information, but easy to understand. Each lecture is an excellent companion to a walk on a nice day. And as I mentioned in my review of the Voltaire, Prof. Kors has a distinctive style of talking and accent, so much at first you might go, "oh, I'm not sure I can listen to this" - but that enthusiasm, passion, and humor makes him come alive as if you were sitting in a favorite professor's classroom.

Myth in Human History Audiobook by The Great Courses

biacuaduc@gmail.com (The Great Courses) — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 13:57:08 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Myth in Human History Author: The Great Courses Narrator: Professor Grant L. Voth Format: Original Recording Length: 18 hrs and 27 mins Language: English Release date: 07-08-13 Publisher: The Great Courses Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 331 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: Myths provide the keys to truly grasping the ways that principles, rituals, codes, and taboos are woven into the fabric of a particular society or civilization. This entertaining and illuminating course plunges you into the world's greatest myths. Taking you from ancient Greece and Japan to North America and Africa to New Zealand and Great Britain, these 36 lectures reveal mythology's profound importance in shaping nearly every aspect of culture. You'll also discover the hidden connections between them - a comparative approach that emphasizes the universality of myths across cultures. Along with the stories themselves, you'll encounter fascinating characters, including Herakles, the ancient Greek hero whose life illustrates the idea that all heroic stories have a similar structure; Loki, the shape-shifting trickster who introduces the concept of time into the Norse realm of Asgard; and King Arthur, the Celtic lord and founder of the Knights of the Round Table. Myths, according to Professor Voth, are "gifts from the ancestors to be cherished." His enchanting lectures are the perfect way for you to celebrate these cherished gifts, inviting you to develop your own interpretations of these age-old tales, as well as to ponder the role that myths - both ancient and everyday - play in your own life. PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio. Members Reviews: Five stars, with some caveats This course is an excellent introduction and overview of world mythology. It covers a lot of ground, and does it well. While I would recommend it to anyone, I need to add the following caveats: Because it covers so much ground, it moves as a very brisk speed, and in some cases I would have preferred to get more depth (for example, more detail on some of the hero myths, and more discussion of the psychological interpretation of myth, a la Rank, Jung and Campbell). Dr. Voth did a really good job of covering the material, but there's enough here for two or even three lecture series. Second, I found my interest waning slightly in during the latter part of the course. This may have been because (while he never says so) Prof. Voth seems to be suggesting a kind of monomyth for trickster myths (similar to the monomyth of the hero). While I thought the argument and evidence presented for the hero monomyth was compelling, it seemed that the trickster myths were much more diverse (hard to see an parallel between the Norse Loki and the African Anansi as presented here, for example). Still, the course material was very engaging, and I will definitely be broadening my study of mythology as a result. Good introduction to world mythology This is an eclectically organized analysis of myths from around the world, focusing on patterns which come up in all myths, regardless of location. Voth speaks about creation myths, tricksters, heroes and heroines, destruction myths, and how we can look at all these patterns to see some basic truths about ourselves as humans. I learned a great deal from this series of lectures, though it left me feeling a bit frustrated. Voth, by focusing on the analytical side and on the patterns of myth, did not have time to tell the myths in their entirety.

Siddhartha [Spanish Edition] Audio Libro por Hermann Hesse

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Hermann Hesse) — Thu, 18 May 2017 18:14:51 GMT

Escuche este audio libro completo gratis en https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> Título: Siddhartha [Spanish Edition] Autor: Hermann Hesse Narrador: Horacio Mancilla Formato: Unabridged Duración: 4 hrs and 34 mins Idioma: Español Fecha de publicación: 05-18-17 Editor: Penguin Random House Grupo Editorial Calificaciones: 4.5 de 5 de 18 votos Categorías: Classics, European Literature Resumen del editor: La historia de Buda novelada por Herman Hesse. Esta novela, ambientada en la India tradicional, relata la vida de Siddhartha, un hombre para quien el camino de la verdad pasa por la renuncia y la comprensión de la unidad que subyace en todo lo existente. En sus páginas, el autor ofrece todas las opciones espirituales del hombre. Hermann Hesse buceó en el alma de Oriente a fin de aportar sus aspectos positivos a nuestra sociedad. Siddhartha es la obra más representativa de este proceso y ha ejercido una gran influencia en la cultura occidental del siglo XX. Please note: This audiobook is in Spanish. Crítica Comentarios: "Uno de los libros más sencillos, bellos y profundos que haya leído jamás. Siddhartha es para mí una medicina más efectiva que el Nuevo Testamento." (Henry Miller) Opiniones de los miembros: El río me ha enseñado que todo regresa Esta novela fue una de las que más influyó en mi juventud. Al escucharla como audiolibro fue como si fuera la primera vez. Volví a escuchar repetidas veces las enseñanzas del Río de la Vida a través de Siddhartha. La narración es muy buena. excelente libro muy buen libro, la narración del autor fluye de manera muy simple pero realmente profunda en su contenido.

Candide Audiobook by Voltaire

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Voltaire) — Wed, 10 Jan 2018 05:56:14 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Candide Author: Voltaire Narrator: Kevin Kollins Format: Unabridged Length: 3 hrs and 1 min Language: English Release date: 01-10-18 Publisher: Kevin Kollins Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 2 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: "Candide is a French satire first published in 1759 by Voltaire, a philosopher of the Age of Enlightenment. It begins with a young man, Candide, who is living a sheltered life in an Edenic paradise and being indoctrinated with Leibnizian optimism by his mentor, Professor Pangloss. The work describes the abrupt cessation of this lifestyle, followed by Candide's slow, painful disillusionment as he witnesses and experiences great hardships in the world. Voltaire concludes with Candide, if not rejecting optimism outright, advocating a deeply practical precept, 'we must cultivate our garden', in lieu of the Leibnizian mantra of Pangloss, 'all is for the best' in the 'best of all possible worlds'. "Candide is characterised by its sarcastic tone as well as by its erratic, fantastical, and fast-moving plot. A picaresque novel with a story similar to that of a more serious coming-of-age narrative (Bildungsroman), it parodies many adventure and romance clichés, the struggles of which are caricatured in a tone that is mordantly matter-of-fact. Still, the events discussed are often based on historical happenings, such as the Seven Years' War and the 1755 Lisbon earthquake. As philosophers of Voltaire's day contended with the problem of evil, so too does Candide in this short novel, albeit more directly and humorously. Voltaire ridicules religion, theologians, governments, armies, philosophies, and philosophers through allegory; most conspicuously, he assaults Leibniz and his optimism. "As expected by Voltaire, Candide has enjoyed both great success and great scandal. Immediately after its secretive publication, the book was widely banned because it contained religious blasphemy, political sedition and intellectual hostility hidden under a thin veil of naïveté. However, with its sharp wit and insightful portrayal of the human condition, the novel has since inspired many later authors and artists to mimic and adapt it. Today, Candide is recognized as Voltaire's magnum opus." [Wikipedia] Members Reviews: Great book but atypical format for hardcover disrupts reading flow Candide is an excellent story, a concise yet conceptually soaring diatribe that unblinkingly lampoons the stigmas and realities of Voltaires time. The book is packed with scenarios that will make you laugh and cringe at once. I give four stars because the formatting on the hardcover book is a bit weird due to extra spaces in between paragraphs. This extra spacing disrupts the flow of reading and seems as if the publisher was trying to make the book more pages than it actually warranted with respect to the typical font and format of a novel or novella. The best of all possible reviews I decided to revisit this book after almost 40 years since my high school French class. It's amazing what reading it again after such a long time does for your perspective. Glad I picked it up again. Satirical Genius Voltaire is a satirical genius, he leaves few stones unturned in this short novel. The critical responses are useful resources if you have to write a report for the book or need further insight into Voltaires mind. A quick witty romp! What a fun read! I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is relatively short and moves quickly, so it's great if you want something witty without much commitment. hilarious This book is a combination of genius, logical argument and humor. It is definitely hilarious.

Niebla [Fog] Audio Libro por Miguel de Unamuno

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Miguel de Unamuno) — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 03:46:53 GMT

Escuche este audio libro completo gratis en https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> Título: Niebla [Fog] Autor: Miguel de Unamuno Narrador: Jesus Rois Frey Formato: Unabridged Duración: 5 hrs and 50 mins Idioma: Español Fecha de publicación: 02-10-11 Editor: Audiomol Calificaciones: 4.5 de 5 de 36 votos Categorías: Classics, European Literature Resumen del editor: La novela narra la situación de Augusto Pérez, un joven rico licenciado en Derecho. Hijo único de Madre viuda, a la muerte de su madre no halla qué hacer con su vida hasta que un día, paseando sin rumbo, conoce a una guapa joven pianista, Eugenia Domingo del Arco de la que se enamora o cree enamorarse y cuya amistad trata de conseguir, cosa que efectivamente logra. Conoce a la familia de ella, que es también huérfana y vive con sus tíos, don Fermín, un anarquista místico, y doña Hermelinda. Su cortejo es al comienzo rechazado por Eugenia, quien aclara a Augusto que ella ya tiene un novio, llamado Mauricio. Ante la respuesta de Eugenia, Augusto entabla una relación amorosa con una de sus sirvientas ocasionales, la señorita que le planchaba, Rosario. Después de algunas peripecias, Eugenia, movida, al parecer, por los celos, el instinto de competencia, y un quiebre con Mauricio, decide aceptar a Augusto como novio y futuro esposo. Please note: This audiobook is in Spanish. Opiniones de los miembros: Not a good story but very good philosophy Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not? Yes I learned a lot of Unamuno's philosophy which even being complicated is quite profound What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!) Sad What aspect of Jesus Rois Freys performance would you have changed? He is very week and does not know where he wants to go. He has not clear goals Could you see Niebla [Fog] being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be? No, unless the complicated philosophy is changed ant then the reason of the book will not be there Enchanting Beautifully written and with an uncommon end. Deep, poetic, beautiful and in some parts near craziness, but above all admirably enjoyable.

Crime and Punishment Audiobook by Fyodor Dostoevsky

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Fyodor Dostoevsky) — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 13:56:13 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Crime and Punishment Author: Fyodor Dostoevsky Narrator: Dick Hill Format: Unabridged Length: 23 hrs and 49 mins Language: English Release date: 07-26-10 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 23 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: A desperate young man plans the perfect crime - the murder of a despicable pawnbroker, an old woman no one loves and no one will mourn. Is it not just, he reasons, for a man of genius to commit such a crime - to transgress moral law - if it will ultimately benefit humanity? So begins one of the greatest novels ever written: a powerful psychological study, a terrifying murder mystery, and a fascinating detective thriller infused with philosophical, religious, and social commentary. Raskolnikov, an impoverished student living in a garret in the gloomy slums of St. Petersburg, carries out his grotesque scheme and plunges into a hell of persecution, madness, and terror. Crime and Punishment takes the listener on a journey into the darkest recesses of the criminal and depraved mind and exposes the soul of a man possessed by both good and evil - a man who cannot escape his own conscience. Members Reviews: Crime was punishment This is one of those novels I always meant to read, but never got around to. I'm pleased I did. One can plainly see what all the hype is about. It is a very ambitious exercise to try to capture the meanderings of a tormented soul. Of course Dostoevsky succeeds in the attempt, as we know. Still, it is no small achievement and it makes the listening difficult because for most of the novel I felt like an eavesdropper and voyeur as a flawed man grappled with his demons. Large amongst these demons is Raskolnikov's pride, his belief in his own moral superiority and his disdain of help. I'm not sure anyone other than a Russian of the era of this tale could have captured the desperation, the fatalism and the climax so fully. Because listening is difficult, it takes some perseverance so that at times I felt as if I was doing the time for Raskolnikov's crime. As to the plot controversy, of which there is much written, I subscribe to the group that thinks the Epilogue is worthwhile. I can see why some say it is unnecessary, but I guess it depends on whether you want the loose ends tied-up, or not. Of course, be warned, if you skip the Epilogue (particularly its Chapter 2), you will leave with a different view of the book and, I suspect, Dostoevsky's world view. As to the performance, I can imagine that this was a terrifically difficult book to read aloud. I settled on Dick Hill's version, having started with Anthony Heald's. I found the latter too fast, too frantic and difficult to follow (see my review there which reproduces the above). Hill's version is slower (about 2 and an half hours slower) less frantic and has a nice 5 minute opening setting the scene of Dostoevsky's world before the narration begins. He has a better differentiation in character than Heald (in my opinion) and his narrator is calmer. Also, his pronunciation of the tri-nominal Russian names is more sonorous (not Tolstoy-ish, but this is not Tolstoy). Fascinating and wonderfully read I wanted to write a review to say how much I enjoyed Dick Hill's enthusiastic, energetic rendition, even if many of his characters sounded at times like Peter Lorre, which didn't detract. A fascinating novel in so many ways.

The Inferno of Dante: Translated by Robert Pinsky Audiobook

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Robert Pinsky (translator)) — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 09:59:24 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Inferno of Dante: Translated by Robert Pinsky Author: Robert Pinsky (translator), Dante Aligheri Narrator: George Guidall Format: Unabridged Length: 4 hrs and 44 mins Language: English Release date: 04-04-13 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 93 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: Dramatic, intense, and gripping, The Inferno of Dante is an astonishing masterpiece that no listener can afford to miss. Robert Pinsky, the distinguished American poet, preserves the burning clarity and universal relevance of this 13th-century literary masterpiece in a triumphant new translation for our times. Line by line, canto by canto, Robert Pinksy affirms The Inferno as a powerful living classic for todays listeners. Members Reviews: Just the Inferno, Raw and Powerful George Guidall does a wonderful job, I give it three stars because I own another reading of the Pinsky translation that I think is better from a poet's perspective. He is a master narrator, and I do not want to belittle him. I would prefer the original 4 poet reading, but this narration is probably better for most readers. I love this translation. I prefer the original reading by 4 poets but it is not available and a bit strange for many readers. If you only want to read the Inferno, this is, in my opinion, the best translation for understanding and feeling what Dante wanted one to hear. It does not try and clean up vulgar jokes or tone down anything, something I find lacking in the translations I first read. You find what your looking for. well narrated Really appreciated the narration. fluent transitions into slightly.. more dramatic as called for by the text but never near over the top or under sold. Story is brilliant if you can percieve that what his tour of hell is. Is that of who and what he relates to on earth. Leaving room to understand that another person's journey may have been of a differed account. Might help to free the mind to listen rather than contemplate points of argument. Listen and Read and Do it Over Again Any additional comments? I am teaching Dante's Inferno this trimester to 10th graders, and have listened to this audio version of Pinsky's translation multiple times. This performance is excellent. I highly recommend listening to this audio, and reading a different translation (and the critical notes) to give a fuller representation of what the original Italian suggests. I never tire of Dante, and my students love him too! Hard to visualize I did my very best to try and visualize some of the scenes that Dante described. However I did have some issues trying to visualize the areas in the circle so I could not delineate them as well as I'm sure others can. I had no problem whatsoever in visualizing some of the hard things that were happening to the sinners. I found the ending kind of abrupt. You get to the center then boom he's out of there. B$ Disturbing/ inquietante!!!! Wow and this was written in the 14th century?! Creepy and real.even if you don't believe in an after life this will still mess you up. Like a horror story. The book was greatly translated. I am italian and know it pretty well. But my translation would bring a reader within dante's underworld journey. The performance was great. His voice was creepy and perfect to listen to for the full affect. You can listen again and get even more disturbed than the prior listen. Bellissimo!!!!!grazie.molto bene!!!!

The Count of Monte Cristo [Classic Tales Edition] Audiobook by Alexandre Dumas

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Alexandre Dumas) — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 06:08:41 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Count of Monte Cristo [Classic Tales Edition] Author: Alexandre Dumas Narrator: B.J. Harrison Format: Unabridged Length: 52 hrs and 39 mins Language: English Release date: 08-27-15 Publisher: B.J. Harrison Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 151 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: "A piece of perfect storytelling." (Robert Louis Stevenson) Trust. Betrayal. Revenge. The Count of Monte Cristo is the quintessential masterpiece of Alexandre Dumas. In Edmond Dantes we find an early materialization of the modern superhero. He is a dashing young sailor imprisoned unjustly for treason. While in prison he meets a holy man who imparts to him all his wisdom of languages, philosophy, science, and literature. The "abbe" also divulges the profound secret of a hidden treasure. Dantes realizes that with such immense wealth one could do a generous amount of good for one's friends. On the other hand, one could also wreak a hateful vengeance on one's enemies. Now freed from prison, and armed with untold riches, a wealth of intelligence, and a countenance utterly unrecognizable, Dantes fulfills his vow to wreak complete and utter revenge on those who conspired against him. Members Reviews: The proof is in the narrator! The Narrator is a key point when embarking on an audio book that is over 50 hours long. To that point B.J. Harrison is to be highly praised for his performance! I will be looking for more titles graced with his narration. One of the best readers (esp for the classics) If you could sum up The Count of Monte Cristo [Classic Tales Edition] in three words, what would they be? The book is better than, more complex than, more unbelievable than, any of the filmed versions. What did you like best about this story? I particularly liked how much I learned about the time period and this area of the Mediterranean. Have you listened to any of B.J. Harrisons other performances before? How does this one compare? B.J. Harrison is one of the best readers I've heard. Able to do many voices compellingly, believably, and back-to-back. Even my kids were stunned when they realized it was all one reader. best narrative performance i have ever heard. of course the story is a classic, but the reading performance is the best ive ever heard. please dont miss it. Bravo! What about B.J. Harrisons performance did you like? I am so glad I listened to the samples and just didn't go with the book with the most ratings. Harrison's narration is far superior than any of the others. In some of the other recordings you can hear the narrator breathe, I hate that. Not with this one, it is perfect. Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting? Very hard to put down. I fell asleep listening to this in bed more than once. Not because it was boring at all, but because I stayed up too late and should have been asleep hours ago. Count of Monte Cristo Good story. Not my favorite but good. Prepare to invest time. I'm not sure I can recommend BJ Harrison's performance. While he is versatile in his voices I think he tries to hard at times and over performs. But it's just my opinion.

Eugene Onegin Audiobook by Alexander Pushkin, James E. Falen (translator)

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Alexander Pushkin) — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 07:46:12 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Eugene Onegin Subtitle: A Novel in Verse Author: Alexander Pushkin, James E. Falen (translator) Narrator: Raphael Corkhill Format: Unabridged Length: 4 hrs and 27 mins Language: English Release date: 12-22-14 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 41 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: Eugene Onegin is the master work of the poet whom Russians regard as the fountainhead of their literature. Set in 1820s Russia, Pushkin's novel in verse follows the fates of three men and three women. It was Pushkin's own favourite work, and this new translation conveys the literal sense and the poetic music of the original. Eugene Onegin is the master work of the poet whom Russians regard as the fountainhead of their literature. Set in 1820s imperial Russia, Pushkin's novel in verse follows the emotions and destiny of three men - Onegin the bored fop, Lensky the minor elegiast, and a stylized Pushkin himself - and the fates and affections of three women - Tatyana the provincial beauty, her sister Olga, and Pushkin's mercurial Muse. Engaging, full of suspense, and varied in tone, it also portrays a large cast of other characters and offers the listener many literary, philosophical, and autobiographical digressions, often in a highly satirical vein. Eugene Onegin was Pushkin's own favourite work, and it shows him attempting to transform himself from a romantic poet into a realistic novelist. This new translation seeks to retain both the literal sense and the poetic music of the original, and capture the poem's spontaneity and wit. Members Reviews: Pushkin and Falen are brilliant, not so Corkhill Most in a position to judge find Falen's translation a miracle of verbal and metrical fidelity, but it deserves a much better performance than this one. If Stephen Fry's amazing reading of Falen's translation ever turns up on Audible, snatch it up without delay. In the meantime, stick with Neville Jason's reading of Mary Robson's version (Evgenii Onegin). Jason may not be quite as good as Fry, and Robson is certainly not as good as Falen, but Jason is so much better than Corkhill that there's no contest. perfect for audio book
wonderful performance. of brilliant prose. heart wrenching tale of lost love and wasted youth. worth every penny. Excellent! I lived this book! I enjoyed the narrator as well. I will be looking for more from this author. Narration cannot be done better, Bravo This is a great story and the narration is first class. Pushkin is awesome. It's a manly love story about a man that makes a bad choice to reject both love and loyalty. There is a movie, but the book is much finer. Phenomenal Higly recommended World's top prose poetry I wish to hear it in original Russian as well. Zic

The Prince Audiobook by Niccolo Machiavelli

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Niccolo Machiavelli) — Fri, 08 Sep 2017 19:22:21 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Prince Subtitle: Strategy of Niccolo Machiavelli Author: Niccolo Machiavelli Narrator: Roberto Scarlato Format: Unabridged Length: 3 hrs and 39 mins Language: English Release date: 09-08-17 Publisher: Dreamtown Publishing Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 9 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: The Prince is a 16th-century political treatise by the Italian diplomat and political theorist Niccolò Machiavelli. From correspondence, a version appears to have been distributed in 1513, using a Latin title, De Principatibus (About Principalities). However, the printed version was not published until 1532, five years after Machiavelli's death. This was done with the permission of the Medici Pope Clement VII, but long before then, in fact since the first appearance of The Prince in manuscript, controversy had swirled about his writings". Although it was written as if it were a traditional work in the mirrors for princes style, it is generally agreed that it was especially innovative. This is only partly because it was written in the vernacular Italian rather than Latin, a practice which had become increasingly popular since the publication of Dante's Divine Comedy and other works of Renaissance literature. The Prince is sometimes claimed to be one of the first works of modern philosophy, especially modern political philosophy, in which the effective truth is taken to be more important than any abstract ideal. It was also in direct conflict with the dominant Catholic and scholastic doctrines of the time concerning politics and ethics. Although it is relatively short, the treatise is the most remembered of Machiavelli's works and the one most responsible for bringing the word "Machiavellian" into usage as a pejorative. It even contributed to the modern negative connotations of the words "politics" and "politician" in western countries. In terms of subject matter, it overlaps with the much longer Discourses on Livy, which was written a few years later. In its use of near-contemporary Italians as examples of people who perpetrated criminal deeds for politics, another lesser-known work by Machiavelli which The Prince has been compared to is The Life of Castruccio Castracani. Members Reviews: A Classic Brought to Life What made the experience of listening to The Prince the most enjoyable? I've read this on paper format, but it's been years. The narrator really brought this amazing piece of work to life and I feel I enjoyed it more than before. What did you like best about this story? This book is not only interesting, but very historically significant - so it's interesting from two angles. Any additional comments? I believe there are a number of narrations on this book out there - but this is really an excellent one and the best choice in my opinion. Great! Good strategies to face the worlds trials & tribulations with a tactful vision that will allow you to prevail. Great! Fantastic narration for this literary classic! Personally, I found this much easier to listen to in audio than to read. Very well done. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. The fact that I was gifted this book had no influence over my opinion of it

A Doll's House Audiobook by Henrik Ibsen

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Henrik Ibsen) — Fri, 13 May 2011 06:56:19 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: A Doll's House Author: Henrik Ibsen Narrator: Flo Gibson Format: Unabridged Length: 2 hrs and 57 mins Language: English Release date: 05-13-11 Publisher: Audio Book Contractors, Inc. Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 20 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: Nora, a banker's pampered and petted wife, forges a signature to obtain money for her ailing husband. The play's theme, touting a woman's independence, shocked audiences at the time of its premiere. Members Reviews: Great way to get the story I needed to read this stor for school, and this was a great way to listen to the book on my commute to school. It follows the book closely and helped me greatly.

Dead Souls Audiobook by Nikolai Gogol, C. J. Hogarth (translator)

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Nikolai Gogol) — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 05:54:15 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Dead Souls Author: Nikolai Gogol, C. J. Hogarth (translator) Narrator: Arthur Morey Format: Unabridged Length: 15 hrs and 54 mins Language: English Release date: 03-18-11 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 105 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: Chichikov, a mysterious stranger, arrives in a provincial town and visits a succession of landowners to make each a strange offer. He proposes to buy the names of dead serfs still registered on the census, saving their owners from paying tax on them, and to use these "souls" as collateral to reinvent himself as a gentleman. In this ebullient masterpiece, Nikolai Gogol created a grotesque gallery of human types, from the bear-like Sobakevich to the insubstantial fool Manilov, and, above all, the devilish con man Chichikov. Dead Souls, Russia's first major novel, is one of the most unusual works of nineteenth-century fiction and a devastating satire on social hypocrisy. This version of Dead Souls is the translation by C. J. Hogarth. Critic Reviews: "Admired not only for its enduring comic portraits but also for its sense of moral purpose." (Encyclopedia of Literature) Members Reviews: Captures absurdity of mid 19th century Russia An absurd and brilliant satire. To think I avoided reading this novel for years because I thought it was going to be depressing. Ha! Dead Souls reminded me in many ways of the Odyssey + Don Quixote written by Mark Twain in a Russian prose poem. Gogol captures the absurdity of the mid-19th century Russia. Included in Gogol's satire/farce is an absurd and brilliant look at the corruption of the government, the stratification of society, the pretentiousness of the Russian middle-class, etc. Anyway, the writing was amazing and D.J. Hogarth's translation seems to have held up very well. Arthur Morey narrates this text with both clarity and humor. Hilarious despite the textual difficulties I've read a number of Russian authors over the years but for some reason had never read Gogol till I listened to this audiobook. I've been cheating myself. Gogol draws a sharply satirical and (at times) laugh-out-loud funny picture of the dysfunctional Russian society of the early 19th century. As a long-time fan of Arthur Morey, I found his narration congenial and entertaining. There *are* some difficulties in the book. Some are the result of the translation: it's by C. J. Hogarth, who was active (some info in Wikipedia notwithstanding) in the early years of the 20th century. It's not old-fashioned so much as it is (sometimes) awkwardly literal. Many Russian terms are untranslated. A barin, for example - pronounced here bah-REEN - is a baron. A koliaska is a carriage. A chinovnik is a minor government official. At one point two characters make "osculatory salutations" - in other words, they kiss. It might be helpful to download one of the free ebook editions of the novel; at least one has footnotes explaining many of these terms and other references in the text. The other major problem is that the novel is unfinished. The first part is intact and more or less complete in itself, but the second part has a number of significant gaps. As much as I like Morey's narration in general, I think it's a fair criticism, as others have said here, that he jumps over some of the gaps in the text without sufficient pause.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame Audiobook by Victor Hugo

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Victor Hugo) — Tue, 06 Jul 1999 17:03:09 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Hunchback of Notre Dame Author: Victor Hugo Narrator: George Guidall Format: Unabridged Length: 22 hrs and 16 mins Language: English Release date: 07-06-99 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 239 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: Translated by Catherine Liu. Editorial Reviews: Victor Hugo's The Hunchback of Notre Dame tells the sad-yet-hopeful story of Quasimodo who loved kind Esmeralda to death. This classic example of French gothic literature has inspired numerous adaptations because of its enchanting story and beloved characters. George Guidall gives a performance deserving of Hugo's masterpiece. He effortlessly handles characters' French accents and engages the listener's imagination with well-placed pauses. This audiobook is a cathartic meditation on love and loyalty, enjoyable for every moment of its 22 hours. Members Reviews: Overwhelmingly sad George Guidall is the perfect choice to narrate this sad tale: he brings a gravity to the story that adds to the pathos but does not drag down the narrative. If you're not familiar with the story, or know it only from the sanitized film versions, be forewarned: there is little here but heartbreak. Quasimodo's fate is more closely tied to Esmeralda's than you might imagine, and Phoebus and Pierre Gringoire are both unmitigated scoundrels. The famous attack on Notre Dame, beaten back by Quasimodo, is not a heroic action but the result of a tragic misunderstanding. It's not a kid's story, maybe not even one for sensitive adolescents. The novel has some weaknesses. I've read it several times, and I still get annoyed by the long essay on Paris architecture that Hugo drops into the middle of the story. I know his digressions have fans, but I'm not one of them. If the audiobook were organized by chapters, I would suggest skipping over these, especially if this is your first time reading it; but unfortunately it's organized by CD. All that aside, though - the digressions, the overwhelming sadness of the story - it really is a masterpiece, and in Guidall's hands it retains both its pace and its power. A drop of water and a little pity, says Quasimodo. That's what it was all about. Tragic endings in Paris of 1482 The story of the hunchback is not as well known as that of Les Miserables. There are fewer movies and no Broadway play. The Hunchback of Notre Dame is facinating and horrifying and tragic. I felt immersed in Victor Hugo's Paris of 1482, with its gallows at every crossroads and its levels of local justice. I wept at the end and even felt pity for the evil Arch Deacon. The narrator is excellent although the sound quality, converted from type 1 to type 2, is marginal. The recording should be restored/reconverted properly. Good book, bad quality While this is a great book the sound quality makes it really difficult to listen to in the car! I find myself cranking up the volume all the way and still having a hard time hearing it. Mistake in Publisher's Summary section This audio book is based on book of "The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Dover Thrift Editions)" translated by A. L. Alger, not by Catherine Liu. Amazon link as follow http://www.amazon.com/Hunchback-Notre-Thrift-Editions-ebook/dp/B007X0TZ0G/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1369418082&sr=1-3 Amazing The reader does a wonderful job- accents and pronounciations are superb. The story is fascinating, though I see why Disney wanted to rewrite the tragic ending. A bit of the description of Paris is rambling, without a map to help envision the locational references the author makes. Sound quality could be better, but it's not bad.

The Three Musketeers Audiobook by Alexander Dumas

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Alexander Dumas) — Thu, 09 Feb 2017 02:38:19 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Three Musketeers Author: Alexander Dumas Narrator: Alan Munro Format: Unabridged Length: 28 hrs Language: English Release date: 02-09-17 Publisher: Trout Lake Media Ratings: 3 of 5 out of 11 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: "All for one and one for all!" is one of the most memorable lines in all of literature and cinema. Join Athos, Porthos, Aramis, and d'Artagnan in this classic adventure. Dumas at his best! Members Reviews: Dreadful Reading Alan Munro's reading is so awkward that I can't get through this book. He has a senseless cadence and his phrasing is so off that the words loose their meaning as you strain to listen. I'm enjoying the story enough that I am going in search of a better version. A reject Completely inaudible. Too low sound level. Bad diction. Speech impediment. No understanding the meaning of phrases - wrong logical intonation Putting a classic to shame I seriously didn't know it was possible to be such a bad voice actor. This guy... this guy, can't even flow a sentence without some horribly stilted pause, in an incredibly unnecessary fashion. This guy sounds like he thinks he's the best voice actor every. But I simply couldn't hand it. I gave up, I couldn't do it. I really tried to get used to his reading 'style' but it was impossible. I couldn't concentrate on the story cos I was distracted by his dumbass reading. But Please read this book in your lifetime, it is amazing. Just not from this Dolop of a man...

Le Pere Goriot Audiobook by Honoré de Balzac

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Honoré de Balzac) — Fri, 11 Nov 2016 03:47:15 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Le Pere Goriot Author: Honoré de Balzac Narrator: David McCallion Format: Unabridged Length: 9 hrs and 54 mins Language: English Release date: 11-11-16 Publisher: A.R.N. Publications Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 17 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: Honoré de Balzac uses his classic style of detail to describe a most controversial setting in his novel Le Pere Goriot. The story takes place in Paris just after the fall of Napoleon in 1819. The story focuses on three characters, Rastignac, a student who wants to try and make it big in the capital, Vautrin, an interesting and funny character who is also quite mysterious, and the main character, Goriot, that carries a heavy burden that only a loving parent would endure. The story follows the journey of Rastignac, the two daughters of Goriot, and Goriot himself who was once a wealthy businessman. It's a heart wrenching story of a man driven to poverty by the selfless acts and the overwhelming love and devotion that he has for his two daughters, both of whom are very selfish, and do not share the same love for their father. How far will Goriot go to keep his daughters happy, and will the daughters ever appreciate the great sacrifices this man has made for them? Members Reviews: Oh dear It is a shame that this is the only version of this classic available on audible . The narration is utterly dreadful and frankly you would be better served listing to one of the French versions,of which there are many, even if You cannot speak the language it will be a better listen than the dull monotonous version that is this recording. One to avoid Poor narration The narrator mispronounced most French and some English words. The performance was very flat in other respects.

The Metamorphosis Audiobook by Franz Kafka

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Franz Kafka) — Fri, 15 Dec 2017 09:48:53 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Metamorphosis Author: Franz Kafka Narrator: J.D. Kelly Format: Unabridged Length: 2 hrs and 3 mins Language: English Release date: 12-15-17 Publisher: Lyon Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 16 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: The Metamorphosis is a short novel by Franz Kafka, first published in 1915. It is often cited as one of the seminal works of fiction of the 20th century and is widely studied in colleges and universities across the western world. The story begins with a traveling salesman, Gregor Samsa, waking to find himself transformed into an insect. Members Reviews: Excellent audio version of a classic tale. J.D. Kelly's version of Franz Kafka's The Metamorphosis is very good. Kelly's tone throughout this story makes the main character believable. It is not easy to sound like a man who's personality and lifestyle are so constrained by the singular focus of his job and by his pathologically narrowed range of affect that even being turned (overnight) into a grotesque beetle is taken in stride and fails to trigger any sort of hysteria/terror. This story is brilliant in that the overarching message is so powerful that it allows the reader to move briskly through the metamorphosis to the conclusion in which we accept what has always been most important to all of the characters from the beginning (financial well-being/survival within current societal constraints). The main character having become a beetle and eventually perishing as a result of the metamorphosis becomes the elephant in the room that everyone comes to accept and brush aside despite it's enormity and outlandishness. To pull the reader into that degree of complicity with such insane characters one must be a phenomenal writer, as Kafka was, but in this case the process is helped along quite a bit by Kelly's matter of fact narration style. Kelly is masterful at doling out emotion in very small controlled portions and maintaining a Keep Calm and Carry On tone throughout the entire story. I absolutely recommend both this author and this narrator to other readers. Thank you Audio Book Boom and J.D. Kelly for this complimentary copy of Kafka's The Metamorphosis in exchange for my fair and unbiased review. Classic Story, well narrated The Metamorphosis is Franz Kafka's classic 1915 Russian tale of a young man, Gregor, who wakes up one day to find himself turned into the a giant bug. The story shows Gregor's family, who had relied on him for money, blaming him, resenting him and then dealing with the fallout of the change. It deal with themes of isolation, sympathy and alienation. While it is a short read, it is fairly dense in imagery and ideas. I had previously had to read in in high school, and I wish that audiobook versions had been readily available back then. J.D. Kelly narrated the book well. He is clear, well paced, and enjoyable to listen to. There is nothing outstanding in the narration, in terms of characters or voices, but the book doesn't have a large amount of dialogue that lends itself to that. I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher. when a great classic meets a great voice I love this story very much it's a good classic and the narrator was absolutely great the story itself it's a well-known story and when I seen it I knew I need this book in my personal Library I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review A book JD Kelly simply couldnt save despite trying Ok. So, I didn't want to hate this book. Its supposed to be super smart, and super deep, and oh so meaningful.

The Guermantes Way Audiobook by Marcel Proust

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Marcel Proust) — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 12:49:43 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Guermantes Way Subtitle: Remembrance of Things Past, Volume 3 Author: Marcel Proust Narrator: Neville Jason Format: Unabridged Length: 28 hrs and 51 mins Language: English Release date: 04-04-12 Publisher: Naxos AudioBooks Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 136 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: Remembrance of Things Past is one of the monuments of 20th-century literature. Neville Jasons widely praised abridged version has rightly become an audiobook landmark and now, upon numerous requests, he is recording the whole work unabridged which, when complete, will run for some 140 hours. The Guermantes Way is the third of seven volumes. The narrator penetrates the inner sanctum of Paris high society and falls in love with the fascinating Duchesse de Guermantes. Proust describes vividly the struggles for political, social, and sexual supremacy played out beneath a veneer of elegant manners. He also finds himself pursued by the predatory Baron de Charlus. Members Reviews: Makes a very big reading project a breeze! Where does The Guermantes Way rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far? This is the best of the series of seven books now known as Proust's "In Search of Lost Time." Unfortunately, only five of the seven volumes have beed recorded on NAXOS in an unabridged form. The series will be completed soon, I imagine, but the main frustration altogether resides in the sad fact that after all is completed, it will be of an outdated translation by Scott Moncrieff which, however excellent and widely celebrated, is inferior in some ways to the brand new translations published in England by PENGUIN BOOKS (General Editor Christopher Pendergast) and which, because of a US Random House copyright, are NOT FOR SALE [at least the last four volumes are not] in the United States. One has to explore various Internet bookstores to find them in this country. Furthermore, the audiobook is the UNCORRECTED C.K. Scott Moncrieff version which was famously brought up to date several years ago. Sigh! So, as good as this recording is, MR NEVILLE JASON is exhausting himself on outdated material -- 2,500,000 words of it before he is finished. One notes that the first audiobook in the series is called THE REMEMBRANCE OF THINGS PAST for which the newer translation is given as IN SEARCH OF LOST TIME. Right away the reader sees the problem. However, this book -- THE GUERMANTES WAY -- is wonderful to listen to, and some generation (my grandmother's perhaps) was delighted with this translation which -- indeed -- was the only one in English and made the book famous in the English speaking world. What was one of the most memorable moments of The Guermantes Way? The book is packed with memorable incidents. The "classy" party scenes, of course, are always to be looked forward to since Proust's commentary is hilariously satirical. Most people do not realize that Proust can be very, very funny -- and in a very cutting manner as well. Have you listened to any of Neville Jasons other performances before? How does this one compare? This man is SUPERB -- and he makes everything totally comprehensible. Long Proustian sentences I cannot figure out when reading them on paper come over with total clarity and sense. Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry? Yes. I am 71 years old and am thrilled to be reading this masterpiece at long last. I am glad I skipped it in my 20s and 30s, however; it's far too cynical in its world views. Nothing is as it seems at first! I would have been disillusioned for my entire life! Proust turns the world upside down.

Les Miserables Audiobook by Victor Hugo

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Victor Hugo) — Mon, 12 May 2008 08:36:57 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Les Miserables Author: Victor Hugo Narrator: Frederick Davidson Format: Abridged Length: 12 hrs and 7 mins Language: English Release date: 05-12-08 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 29 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: Hugo describes early 19th-century France with a sweeping power that gives his novel epic stature. Among the most famous chapters are an account of the battle of Waterloo and a description of Valjean's flight through the Paris sewers. Translated by Charles E. Curtis. Members Reviews: Good reader, but no Fantine back story at all. Fantine's back story, her story ENTIRELY IS LEFT OUT! boooooo otherwise, good reader. his character voices seem a little strange at first, but he gets better. Summer Reading This book really helps with summer reading, the long time that it takes to sit down and read is taken away by this audiobook. I have watered the garden, worked out at the gym, and ridden in cars all the while embracing each word of Les Miserables. You are not missing out on any of the story, yet are also not being thrown too many details. I at first thought the language in this book would overwhelm me, however as a 15 year old this book was easy to comprehend and the story remained interesting as I saw Marius, Jean Valjean, Cosette and Javert's stories collide in a wonderful way. The expressions and voices used in this reading make characters easy to identify and cause little confusion during parts that would otherwise drive me crazy if they were read in a monotone. The variation of the voices also allows for a great picture of expression and allows the listener to gain a much more human and realistic feel of the situation during and throughout the novel. I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook and would recommend it for anyone who is reading the 'James Robinson' translation. Wonderful Classic Absolutely wonderfully engaging telling of this classic. I had been put off originally from trying to read this because of the length of the original book, but this abridge version tells the story without leaving you feeling cheated. I am very glad I did listen to this - one of the best stories written, and told well by the narrator. les miserables abridged this is my first audio book and i loved it, i now want to listen to the unabidged version.

Hunger Audiobook by Knut Hamsun

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Knut Hamsun) — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 06:15:45 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Hunger Subtitle: A Novel Author: Knut Hamsun Narrator: Kevin Foley Format: Unabridged Length: 6 hrs and 38 mins Language: English Release date: 03-28-11 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 64 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: Knut Hamsun's Hunger, first published in 1890 and hailed as the literary beginning of the 20th century, is a masterpiece of psychologically driven fiction. The story of a struggling artist living on the edge of starvation, the novel portrays the unnamed first-person narrator's descent into paranoia, despair, and madness as hunger overtakes him. As the protagonist loses his grip on reality, Hamsun brilliantly portrays the disturbing and irrational recesses of the human mind through increasingly disjointed and urgent prose. Loosely based on the author's own experiences prior to becoming a successful writer, Hunger announced the arrival of a new kind of novel and heavily influenced such later writers as Kafka and Camus. This edition is the translation by George Egerton. Critic Reviews: "After reading Hunger, one can easily understand why Hamsun was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. Hunger should appeal to any reader who is interested in a masterpiece by one of this century's great novelists." (James Goldwasser, Detroit News) Members Reviews: Book quite good; wrong narrator The description of the book gives the plot quite well, so I won't repeat it here. The book is very well written, and reminiscent of Dostoevsky or Kafka in its description of a man struggling to keep his self-dignity while losing his grip on reality, in this case due to lack of food. However, I think the book could have been better had there been more of a story or structure to it. As for the narrator: he's clearly very good, but not the best choice for this book, I'm afraid. I found the following review of his work on another audiobook in AudioFile magazine, and I think it fits my impression perfectly: "Narrator Kevin Foley plods along with a listener-friendly cadence, something like that of a radio newscaster, avoiding high emotion or monosyllabic detachment--professional to the nth degree but adding little to a true and sad tale." I couldn't agree more. Especially in a first person narrative, I think the narrator should show a little more emotion; most of the time, Foley's tone sounds like the voiceover on a nature show, which made it harder to focus on the story. I generally don't like it when audiobook narrators use too much emotion or act the characters, but the narration here is just too detached. Liked it better when I was 21 Charles Bukowski mentioned "Hunger" and I remember being blown away by it when I read it as an impressionable 21 year old. I re-read it almost two decades later and its not 'all that.' I remember liking Growth of Soil and Pan much, much better. Wish some wild Norwegian would put it on audio. The greatest Norwegian author of all time I had a lot of expectations going in to the book, i am from Norway and Hamsun is synonymus with great literature. I wasn't dissapointed at all, the book in itself is great and i also thought that the narrator fitted. Crazy? Hungry? Both? The basic problem for me was that the central character, an author in Christiania (Oslo), Norway, just didn't convince me he was really hungry. I guess he was, because his hair was falling out in clumps. At the same time he had such pride and this stopped him from accepting any help offered him. If you are really starving do you refuse food? One thing is clear. He was ether hallucinating, due to a lack of food, or he was quite simply crazy.

Le comte de Monte-Cristo II Livre Audio par Alexandre Dumas

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Alexandre Dumas) — Thu, 03 Dec 2015 16:36:41 GMT

Écoutez ce livre audio dans son intégralité gratuitement sur https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> Titre: Le comte de Monte-Cristo II Auteur: Alexandre Dumas Narrateur: Éric Herson-Macarel Format: Unabridged Durée: 24 hrs and 43 mins Langue: Français Date de publication: 12-03-15 Éditeur: Sixtrid Evaluation: 5 sur 5 sur 50 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Résumé de l'éditeur: Le comte de Monte-Cristo s'est installé à Paris. Par sa magnificence, sa spiritualité et ses étranges manières, il devient la personnalité la plus recherchée de la haute société. C'est justement ce qu'il voulait afin de pouvoir mettre en place son implacable vengeance. Ainsi, tous les protagonistes de cette affaire, tous ceux qui participèrent à l'horrible machination dont le jeune Edmond Dantès fut autrefois la victime, s'avancent en toute innocence dans les rets tendus par le comte. Et pour chacun un piège longuement, patiemment, diaboliquement construit se prépare. Le comte, tel un chat, va jouer avec ses victimes, savourant le moment où il les fera basculer dans la déchéance. Un à un, sans qu'aucune pitié ne vienne à un quelconque moment troubler son auteur, les victimes succomberont sous les terribles coups du comte. © Domaine public (P)2015 Sixtrid SAS Avis des membres: ils ont fait honneur a ce classique. grosse performance de lecture, la narration est irréprochable et l'histoire est juste fascinante, impossible de décrocher. Eric herson-Macarel !! it was My first audio book. J'ai vraiment beaucoup aimé la naration d'eric herson-Macarel. Bravo Pablo sartorius lavalle good for every body listed niggghj the best way to get the best way to learn more about about free fresh French one of the best books ever written. Gripping from start to finish. Narrator is clear, and sound quality good. They don't write books like this anymore! Superb Very good narration, engaging and fun. Could not stop listening. Great for brushing up on French language.

The Red Sphinx Audiobook by Alexandre Dumas, Lawrence Ellsworth - translator

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Alexandre Dumas) — Tue, 03 Jan 2017 09:10:60 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Red Sphinx Subtitle: Or, The Comte de Moret; A Sequel to The Three Musketeers Author: Alexandre Dumas, Lawrence Ellsworth - translator Narrator: John Lee Format: Unabridged Length: 23 hrs and 49 mins Language: English Release date: 01-03-17 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 40 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: For the first time in English in over a century comes a new translation of the forgotten sequel to Dumas' The Three Musketeers, continuing the dramatic tale of Cardinal Richelieu and his implacable enemies. In 1844, Alexandre Dumas published The Three Musketeers, a novel so famous and still so popular today that it scarcely needs introduction. Shortly thereafter he wrote a sequel, Twenty Years After, that resumed the adventures of his swashbuckling heroes. Later, toward the end of his career, Dumas wrote The Red Sphinx, another direct sequel to The Three Musketeers that begins not 20 years later but a mere 20 days afterward. The Red Sphinx picks up right where the The Three Musketeers left off, continuing the stories of Cardinal Richelieu, Queen Anne, and King Louis XIII - and introducing a charming new hero, the Comte de Moret, a real historical figure from the period. A young cavalier newly arrived in Paris, Moret is an illegitimate son of the former king and thus half-brother to King Louis. The French Court seethes with intrigue as king, queen, and cardinal all vie for power, and young Moret soon finds himself up to his handsome neck in conspiracy, danger - and passionate romance. Dumas wrote 75 chapters of The Red Sphinx for serial publication but never finished it, and so the novel languished for almost a century before its first book publication in France in 1946. While Dumas never completed the book, he had earlier written a separate novella, The Dove, that recounted the final adventures of Moret and Cardinal Richelieu. Now for the first time, in one cohesive narrative, The Red Sphinx and The Dove make a complete and satisfying story line - a rip-roaring novel of historical adventure, heretofore unknown to English-language listeners, by the great Alexandre Dumas, king of the swashbucklers. Members Reviews: Rather disappointing; stick with DArtagnan series The Red Sphinx is promoted as a sequel to The Three Musketeers. Though it might be placed in sequence to it as far as the timing of it, you will not meet any of the delightful four musketeers, nor will you be entertained as you might expect, especially if you read the full DArtaganan set of books, culminating in The Man with the Iron Mask. We have a lot of Richelieu and Louis XIII and hear a lot about the intrigue in the court. But thats the problem - we hear a lot: a lot of narrative, some dialog and conversation (way too much), we hear about way too many characters, but there is little action. The opening seems promising, but then the book gets bogged down and it takes a long time to revive interest, which occurs more than half way in, with the military campaign in Italy. Though the translators notes try to justify completing the story of the Comte de Moret with the novella The Dove, I found it totally unconvincing. Until that point, the Comte de Moret is a womanizer, being attracted to (and more) every pretty woman he meets. It was not at all convincing that he would become so besotted with Isabelle de Lautrec, be willing to take vows if they do not come together again, etc. Come on, this guy had the hots for every woman he saw. Further, The Dove was a drawn out presentation of an obvious conclusion, given the path that it started (which, as I said, did not seem characteristic of de Moret). The letters sent between the two lovers are repetitive and boring.

Aesop's Fables Audiobook by Aesop

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Aesop) — Wed, 08 Nov 2017 22:25:26 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Aesop's Fables Author: Aesop Narrator: Heidi Gregory Format: Unabridged Length: 3 hrs and 50 mins Language: English Release date: 11-08-17 Publisher: Our Life Publishing Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 6 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: Aesop's Fables is a collection of fables credited to Aesop, a slave and storyteller believed to have lived in ancient Greece between 620 and 564 BCE. Of diverse origins, the stories associated with his name have descended to modern times through a number of sources and continue to be reinterpreted in different verbal registers and in popular as well as artistic media. The fables originally belonged to the oral tradition and were not collected for some three centuries after Aesop's death. By that time a variety of other stories, jokes and proverbs were being ascribed to him, although some of that material was from sources earlier than him or came from beyond the Greek cultural sphere. The process of inclusion has continued until the present, with some of the fables unrecorded before the later Middle Ages and others arriving from outside Europe. The process is continuous and new stories are still being added to the Aesop corpus, even when they are demonstrably more recent work and sometimes from known authors. Members Reviews: The Aesop collection you're looking for. There are many collections of Aesop's fables available, but most of these have been censored for children. Heidi Gregory's reading though, is the real deal, with all the macabre and politically incorrect details often brushed under the rug for the sake of taste. These are very old tales though for those interested in the history of them, this audiobook provides the most representation of the originals as possible. Yes, there are quite horrible fables like "the Ethiopian and his master who tried to scrub his slave's dark skin clean with every type of wash possible", but that is really the most obviously racist fable in this collection. As far as Aesop fables go that are read by one person, Heidi Gregory is by far the best narrator...or at least the only British one, which is the main reason I purchased this audiobook. The Best Collection of Aesops Fables Available This is the best collection of Aesop's Fables in audiobook form I have found. These are the non-corrupted politically corrected versions of the fables.Some of the fables have the life lessons explained and attached at the end of them for the listener. I highly recommend this audiobook. Heidi Gregory does an amazing job with the narration. Her accent is pleasing to me and very relaxing to listen to as she narrates these short fables. This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review. Wonderful Fables and Lessons To Be Learned I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher. I forgot all the wonderful short and precise lessons a person can learn from Aesops Fables. Everywhere from the tortoise and the Hare to the dog and the bone on the bridge. Some stories are without a one line lesson, some do. So practical and still many that apply to life today. The cleverness and ability to provide a point and done so quickly it is just amazing...and so many stories! The narrator was absolutely perfect..loved her slight accent..perfectly done and a joy to listen to. Worth the time to be once again reminded of the lessons to be learned and applied to life in a wonderful and entertaining way. I will listened to this time and again and share with others! Fun Rendition of Fables This is an enjoyable re-telling of a series of very short tales from fable-master Aesop.

The Three Musketeers Audiobook by Alexandre Dumas

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Alexandre Dumas) — Thu, 19 Jan 2017 17:23:30 GMT

Dangerous Liaisons Audiobook by Pierre Choderlos De Laclos

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Pierre Choderlos De Laclos) — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 06:25:24 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Dangerous Liaisons Author: Pierre Choderlos De Laclos Narrator: Gabriel Woolf Format: Unabridged Length: 15 hrs and 39 mins Language: English Release date: 01-05-09 Publisher: RNIB Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 93 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: Les Liaisons dangereuses (Dangerous Liaisons) is a French epistolary novel by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos. First published in four volumes by Durand Neveu from March 23, 1782, the book cause scandal on its release. The story, composed entirely of letters written by the various characters to each other, tells of the Marquise de Merteuil and the Vicomte de Valmont, two rivals who use sex as a weapon to humiliate and degrade others,The story, composed entirely of letters written by the various characters to each other, tells of the Marquise de Merteuil and the Vicomte de Valmont, two rivals who use sex as a weapon to humiliate and degrade othersThe story, composed entirely of letters written by the various characters to each other, tells of the Marquise de Merteuil and the Vicomte de Valmont, two rivals who use sex as a weapon to humiliate and degrade others, uncaring of those who face social ruin or whose hearts are broken. It depicts a decadent and corrupt aristocracy exposing the perversions of the so-called Ancien Regime. The relevance of this grew due to the ensuing the French Revolution. Pierre Ambroise Francois Choderlos de Laclos (1741 - 1803) was a French novelist, official and army general. Please note: This is a vintage recording. The audio quality may not be up to modern day standards. Members Reviews: Amazing story. This is a great story. I highly enjoyed listening to the audiobook and the reader did a fantastic job. My only complaint is that this audiobook was adapted from cassette and there is a spot where you are told to turn the tape over. This should have been edited out. It seems that during this spot part of the text of the book was missed. For a moment I was confused. Because the audiobook was cheep and the reader so good, it can be over looked. If it wasn't for that I would have given it 5 stars instead of 4. Besides this I highly recommend this audiobook. It is worth the listen. Good but long! I knew what I was getting into. I like long stories but this one seemed unusally long. A french narrator, who's very good, reads the 200+ letters that compromise correspondence between two manipulators and other lesser characters in 18th century Paris. Fascinating as character studies but maybe too long. Also, a lot of deciphering, reading between the lines and if you let your attention drift, you lose what's going on as it is never told as a narrative but just letter after letter. Overall, good narrator, good characters, interesting. could be good the preface was nearly impossible to understand sounding as if the narrator had swallowed the microphone, i am finding the the sound quality is not very good at all and i am glad i paid only about $2 for it i feel that if the audio was cleaned up a bit the narrator would not be able to ruin the story so much Remastered from cassette tapes!! This audio book was remastered from cassette tapes and sounds really terrible. Shame on you Audible for publishing something like this. The narrator even says "please turn cassette tape" in the middle of one of the chapters. Pathetic! A must read- enjoy the language Read this book twice, and watched the movie - love it! This book is full of observations and reflections on human behavior and thought that is applicable across generations. The language is the paramount of sophistication and literary wit.

The Stranger by Albert Camus: Summary & Analysis Audiobook by Chris Hughes

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Chris Hughes) — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 19:09:03 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Stranger by Albert Camus: Summary & Analysis Author: Chris Hughes Narrator: Michael C. Gwynne Format: Unabridged Length: 37 mins Language: English Release date: 07-22-16 Publisher: Chris Hughes Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 21 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: Please note: This is a summary and analysis of the book, not the original book. The Stranger, by Albert Camus, is a French philosophical novel written in the mid-1940s. In the novel, we are introduced to our narrator, Monsieur Meursault. Meursault is a French man living in Algiers and has just received word via telegram that his elderly mother has passed away. He notes that he has asked for two days of leave from his job, even though his boss is quite annoyed by this. He is to travel to the Home for Aged Persons in Marengo, which is at least 50 miles from Algiers. He takes the bus and sleeps for most of the trip from Algiers to Marengo. Once he arrives in Marengo, he realizes he has a one-mile walk to the home. When he finally arrives to the home, he is greeted by the doorkeeper. The warden meets him in his office and tells him that even though Meursault all but abandoned his mother in this home, it was the absolute best decision he could have made. The director knows that Meursault makes very little money at his job and could not take care of his mother. He also claims that Meursault's mother had made great friends and had enjoyed spending her last few years with people of her own age. Meursault had felt judged by the warden, but after this conversation, he agreed with the notion that his mother had been better off in this home, instead of living with him. We see Meursault rationalizing why he had not been to visit his mother much, as it cost him an entire weekend day on Sundays, the commute to the home was an hour each way, and getting a ticket for the bus was a hassle in and of itself. The director then informs Meursault that he has arranged for a religious funeral ceremony to be performed the next day. Meursault knows that his mother was not religious and would not care.

Don Quixote Audiobook by Miguel de Cervantes

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Miguel de Cervantes) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 09:25:49 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Don Quixote Author: Miguel de Cervantes Narrator: Julian Reinoso Format: Unabridged Length: 34 hrs and 42 mins Language: English Release date: 11-20-08 Publisher: Alpha DVD Ratings: 2.5 of 5 out of 44 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: Published in two volumes a decade apart, Don Quixote is the most influential work of literature to emerge from the Spanish Golden Age and perhaps the entire Spanish literary canon. As a founding work of modern Western literature, it regularly appears at the top of lists of the greatest works of fiction ever published. (P)2008 Alpha DVD LLC Members Reviews: Narration difficult to understand I understand that this book was originally written in Spanish. The reason for translating it into English is so we English speakers can understand and enjoy this great story. The narrator's thick Spanish accent and poor pronunciation of English words makes it very difficult to understand what he is saying all of the time. I find myself having to rewind a great deal to catch words and phrases. (And this is a long book.) When I listen to narrations of Tolstoy and Dostoevsky I listen to a pleasant, understandable English accent. The audio publishers felt no need to hire a narrator with a thick Russian accent and poor English pronunciation skills. I just listened to "The White Tiger". An excellent book. Takes place in India. The Narrator, Mr Lee, narrates with an excellent Indian accent to give us a sense that we are listening to an Indian story. He does so with totally understandable English pronunciation. There is no crime to speak with an accent, if you have excellent English pronunciation skills. This narrator does not. A non-native speaker struggling to read English?? I purchased this hastily, which makes me partly responsible, but I find it hard to believe that this reader was approved. There are non-native speakers who speak wonderfully and whose accents add charm to the reading, but unfortunately this is not one of them. Julian Reinoso is fairly comprehensible, but there are too many moments when his pronunciation proves to be a barrier between the listener and the story itself. His intonations are robotic and he places accents at strange points in many words. The result is that you often have to stuggle or rewind just to make sense of what he is saying. There is no natural flow of the language whatsoever. It goes without saying that clarity of pronunciation and natural flow should be top priorities for an audiobook. I am still puzzled as to how this reading of 30 + hours was approved when the reader is so difficult to understand. I do not recommend this audiobook. I am going to try the Robert Whitfield reading, which from the sample sounds much clearer and enjoyable than this unfortunate version. Wish I Read the Review Before Ordering The previous review nailed it. A classic when read, a nightmare to listen to, if Audible had a money back guarantee this would be one that would be going back. Save your credits. Poor reader A beautiful novel in both Spanish and English is made hard to understand by a heavily accented reader with very poor pronunciation. I wish for a better reader I agree. This version was pretty bad. I intend on reviewing the ratings of other listeners in the future. I could have saved myself some time and annoyance.

The Sagas of Ragnar Lodbrok Audiobook by Ben Waggoner - Translator

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Ben Waggoner - Translator) — Tue, 17 Mar 2015 10:52:41 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Sagas of Ragnar Lodbrok Author: Ben Waggoner - Translator Narrator: Ray Chase Format: Unabridged Length: 2 hrs and 46 mins Language: English Release date: 03-17-15 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 124 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: Although based on historical persons from the ninth century, Ragnar Lodbrok and his sons are the subjects of compelling legends dating from the Viking era. Warriors, raiders, and rulers, Ragnar and his sons inspired unknown writers to set down their stories over seven centuries ago. This volume presents new and original translations of the three major Old Norse texts that tell Ragnar's story: The Saga of Ragnar Lodbrok, The Tale of Ragnar's Sons, and The Sögubrot. Ragnar's death song, the "Krákumál," completes the story. Extensive notes and commentary are provided, helping listeners enter the world of these timeless stories of Viking adventure. Members Reviews: Primordial fun Viking sagas are rather baffling out of context, and there's no context offered in this audiobook. It starts telling you about some people. They do a lot of stuff (serpent-slaying, fighting and propagating, mostly). They have children, the children grow up and fight, propagate and slay more serpents. Things continue in this vein and then it stops. This is not a complaint though. The translation is meaty and listenable, and the reader sounds like a viking. It's not too long, and individual stories within it are interesting. It's an intriguing journey into an alien world. The reader reads the book a little too briskly for my taste, which doesn't suit the poetic nature of the language. I found that if I slowed him down to x0.75, he sounded fine and seemed to relish the words more. If you like the History Channel's "Vikings"... ...Then you'll probably like this. It's a retelling of three surviving stories from Old Norse texts. Some of the characters from the show are there as viewers would know them; Others take different forms from story to story, but all have fates intertwined with Ragnar and his children. The seeds of the television show are definitely here, and Ragnar is no less enigmatic and entertaining than he is on television. Short telling of the lothbrok saga.. . ..i love Viking history and mythology so this excerpt of it was a must for me to read. i found it surprising in content.. things in this story i never knew but also think some info was left out. maybe they weren't sure so didn't want to confuse us?? i do admit i don't have Another piece of work on Ragnar to compare it with but seem to think some info waz missing. otherwise good story and fine reader calming it's a very calm listen. it is very interesting to hear all the different tales excellent narrorator very impressed the story was slightly hard to follow at times content wise, however the translation was quite accurate and both translation and narration could not have been better! over all very good

The Count of Monte Cristo [Abridged] Audiobook by Alexandre Dumas

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Alexandre Dumas) — Wed, 12 Apr 2006 17:30:24 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Count of Monte Cristo [Abridged] Author: Alexandre Dumas Narrator: Tim Pigott-Smith Format: Abridged Length: 2 hrs and 18 mins Language: English Release date: 04-12-06 Publisher: CSA Word Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 21 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: An epic literary adventure considered a classic around the world. The story centers around Edmond Dantes, a young sailor who finds himself arrested, accused of treason, and relegated to the bowls of the island fortress of Chateau d'If, all on his wedding day. The ensuing drama of his escape, revenge, and quest for the treasure of Monte Cristo is one reread by thousands every year. (P)2002 CSA Telltapes Ltd. Members Reviews: Entertaining performance Would you consider the audio edition of The Count of Monte Cristo to be better than the print version? Nice synopsis of a very, very long book. Great narration and characterization. It really held my interest. I listened to it in a single sitting. What did you like best about this story? Entertaining and fast moving. Have you listened to any of Tim Pigott-Smiths other performances before? How does this one compare? I would like to listen to some of Tim Pigott-Smiths other performances. Classic? I know this book is supposed to be a classic, but having read it for the first time I dont understand why. Maybe in its time it brought something new to the art of storytelling, I just dont know, but it seemed like a really bad soap opera. Good adaptation This adaptation is very good and gives plenty of roundness to the character of Dantes (who can seem a little tow dimensional in some versions). The narrator is excellent.

The Three Musketeers Audiobook by Alexandre Dumas

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Alexandre Dumas) — Fri, 16 Sep 2005 09:44:57 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Three Musketeers Author: Alexandre Dumas Narrator: Walter Covell Format: Unabridged Length: 25 hrs and 16 mins Language: English Release date: 09-16-05 Publisher: Jimcin Recordings Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 245 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: Set during the reign of Louis XIII (1610-43) and based on actual events, The Three Musketeers is perhaps the greatest "cloak and sword" story ever written. Three Musketeers, loyal servants of the King, are joined by the dashing D'Artagnan, a veritable Byronic hero. These four are pitted against the master of intrigue, Cardinal Richelieu, and the quintessential wicked woman, Lady de Winter. Dumas was quite expert in pacing and varying action while weaving historical fact with purest fiction. This great work is the unchallenged archetype for literary romance and has been a perennial delight for generations of readers. ©1990 Jimcin Recordings Critic Reviews: "The Three Musketeers is excitedly brought to life by the gifted, energetic voice of Walter Covell, who seems to be reading with a smile and enjoying the story as much as any listener." (Booklist) "This classic story of heroism and friendship set in prerevolutionary France needs no introduction. The wonderful tale should be background reading for every French history course. Covell's semi-voiced reading is entertaining and he interprets the story effectively and reads the different characters with varying degrees of emotion and intensity. Although the whole recording is over 25 hours, the listening experience is well worth the time required." (Kliatt) Members Reviews: Dumas is King! His great masterpiece. Excellent! Covell does a wonderful job with this enjoyable classic. A Classic well worth the listen. A Classic tale, nothing more to say there. The narration was very good and added to the story. Excellent. nobility and storytelling On first listen the first ten minutes or the antiquely ornate language put me off and made me think the book might be tedious. Another twenty minutes or so and I was hooked, eventually even by the language itself, which in part carries the spirit of the story, which plays heavily on the romanticism of honor. A reviewer below seems to say that the French culture depicted was amoral and even degenerate, and there may be some truth to it, but I'd say rather that the characters get their appeal exactly from their having such a lofty sense of "morality", or ethics, or honor - only very different from what we're used to. Strange maybe to us that having a married mistress would be considered honorable, and that it's less whether you kill someone (or are killed) than how you kill or are killed, and for what cause. But despite its weaknesses, it's not weak: it's fun and lively and full-blooded - really living. In our culture, where it feels like lives are thrown away for no reason, while others live lives that risk and mean nothing, it's so terribly appealing to read about people living life on a high and courageous and adventurous edge - heroic. It's not that they don't value life - when I finished the book, after all, I was filled with such a desire that my life could be worth as much as theirs - but life to them is worth so much exactly because they value honor and integrity so much more than life itself. The book puts you in touch with nobility of spirit; it got me seriously thinking how to live in greater adventure. But beyond this response to that review, I gained an enormous respect for Dumas' storytelling abilities - his way of milking every last bit of pleasure and excitement out of the plot.

Notre-Dame de Paris Livre Audio par Victor Hugo

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Victor Hugo) — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 17:34:34 GMT

Écoutez ce livre audio dans son intégralité gratuitement sur https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> Titre: Notre-Dame de Paris Auteur: Victor Hugo Narrateur: Mathurin Voltz Format: Unabridged Durée: 20 hrs and 38 mins Langue: Français Date de publication: 06-29-16 Éditeur: Éditions Thélème Evaluation: 4.5 sur 5 sur 9 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Résumé de l'éditeur: Esmeralda, Quasimodo, Fleur de Lys, Frolo, autant de noms qui résonnent au-delà des siècles. Sans cesse incarnés sous toutes les formes possibles, les personnages de Victor Hugo appartiennent au patrimoine littéraire mondial. © Domaine public (P)2013 Éditions Thélème Avis des membres: A Near-Perfect French Language Audiobook What made the experience of listening to Notre-Dame de Paris the most enjoyable? I was glad to finally find a French Language unabridged audio recording. I have a long history with the book. I first read the slightly abridged Lowell Bair translation over a period of several months as a pre-teen. I've since lost count of how many times I've read "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" and "Notre Dame de Paris" in English and French. Who was your favorite character and why? I can't say he's really my favorite character, but over the years Claude Frollo has come to interest me even more than Quasimodo. He's an intelligent, would-be compassionate man who has been deranged by his own beliefs. What about Mathurin Voltzs performance did you like? Mathurin Voltz gives an enjoyable reading of the novel, even if like me your understanding of spoken French is weak. Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting? No, I think it's a book you take your time with and think about along the way even if you already know the story. Any additional comments? Please note that unless a correction is made there seems to be a strange recording or editing mistake. Near the middle, several pages seem to be missing. It turns out they were somehow put in the wrong place. The chapters should be listened to in this order: 1-27 45 29-44 46-58

The Cossacks Audiobook by Leo Tolstoy

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Leo Tolstoy) — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 04:50:39 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Cossacks Author: Leo Tolstoy Narrator: David Thorn Format: Unabridged Length: 7 hrs and 18 mins Language: English Release date: 11-29-10 Publisher: Alcazar AudioWorks Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 71 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: Tolstoy's first novel and acknowledged as one of his best. The Cossacks is based on Tolstoy's own forays into the Caucasus, abandoning his aristocrat life of gambling and carousing in Moscow and volunteering to be attached to the regular army. Leo Tolstoy's firsthand insight to the magnificent landscape and the colorful Cossack way of life is lushly descriptive, in a text translated from his manuscript by close friends. Olenin is an aimless young nobleman who is disenchanted with city life. Taking a post as a Cadet in the army, he finds himself assigned to the remote Cossack outpost in the Caucasus. It is here, among the Tatars, the Chechens, and the Old Believers, that he will fall in love with a beautiful Cossack girl. The only problem is that she is promised to a Cossack warrior. In the setting of what is present-day Kazakhstan, Tolstoy examines two psychological problems. The first is the dilemma of a young man who desires both fulfilling love and a place as a respected member of society. The other is the difficulty of a primitive society to accept domination by a higher culture that has no understanding of the traditions it asks its colonists to cast aside. Leo Tolstoy (18281910) was born in 1828 about two hundred miles from Moscow. His mother died when he was two, his father when he was nine. His parents were of noble birth, and Tolstoy remained acutely aware of his aristocratic roots, even when he later embraced doctrines of equality and the brotherhood of man. After serving in the army in the Caucasus and Crimea, where he wrote his first stories, he traveled and studied educational theories. In 1862 he married Sophia Behrs and for the next fifteen years lived a tranquil, productive life, finishing War and Peace in 1869 and Anna Karenina in 1877. In 1879 he underwent a spiritual crisis. Tolstoy then sought to propagate his beliefs on faith, morality, and nonviolence, writing mostly parables, tracts, and morality plays. He died of pneumonia in 1910 at the age of eighty-two. Members Reviews: Tolstoy masterpiece is wounded by terrible audio This is one Tolstoy that is easily overlooked, but shouldn't be missed. It combines Tolstoy's philosophy with his religious moralizing with his love of the land and the simplicity of nature and those close to it. The novel explores the nature of happiness, the purpose of life, and Tolstoy's particular interest in rural life vs the more urbane Moscow/Saint Petersburg society. This minor masterpiece is full of Tolstoy's fascination with the Cossacks (both men and women) and the Chechen braves (abreks), his love of the mountains, rivers, and flora and fauna of the Caucuses. There is part of it that reminded me a lot of an early Hemingway novel: a war, women, real men, horses and lots of food and drink. Again, if you've read 'War & Peace' and 'Anna Karenina' and are looking for another good Tolstoy, this is a solid piece (it happened to be Turgenev's favorite Tolstoy novel). The major problem with this audiobook is the audio quality. The transitions (I think its a balalaika) is too loud and doesn't quite work. The narrator sounds distant and muffled like he read the entire novel with a 20 gallon paint gallon on his head.

Anna Karenina [Russian Edition] Audiobook by Leo Tolstoy

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Leo Tolstoy) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 21:24:19 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Anna Karenina [Russian Edition] Author: Leo Tolstoy Narrator: Vyacheslav Gerasimov Format: Unabridged Length: 41 hrs and 3 mins Language: English Release date: 11-23-11 Publisher: New Internet Technologies Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 49 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: A beautiful society wife from St. Petersburg, determined to live life on her own terms, sacrifices everything to follow her conviction that love is stronger than duty. A socially inept but warmhearted landowner pursues his own visions instead of conforming to conventional views. The adulteress and the philosopher head the vibrant cast of characters in Anna Karenina, Tolstoy's tumultuous tale of passion and self-discovery. This novel marks a turning point in the author's career, the juncture at which he turned from fiction toward faith. Set against a backdrop of the historic social changes that swept Russia during the late 19th century, it reflects Tolstoy's own personal and psychological transformation. Two worlds collide in the course of this epochal story: that of the old-time aristocrats, who struggle to uphold their traditions of serfdom and authoritarian government, and that of the westernizing liberals, who promote technology, rationalism, and democracy. This cultural clash unfolds in a compelling, emotional drama of seduction, betrayal, and redemption. Please note: This audiobook is in Russian. Members Reviews: OMG Would you listen to Anna Karenina again? Why? No. Great story but once is enough. What other book might you compare Anna Karenina to and why? one of a kind for me What about Vyacheslav Gerasimovs performance did you like? he is pretty good, but sometimes can get on my nerves Any additional comments? it is incredible how contemporary and relevant Tolstoy's writing is, despite everything.... And they had us read this in high school? Who in high school can ever relate to this?!!! Buyer beware - this is in Russian language Any additional comments? Please make it clear on your website that this is a Russian language version. If I had known this I would not have bought it, as I do not speak or understand Russian. Very thoughtful piece of work Great piece of work. Many thoughts coming in your head when reading Leo Nikolaevich, two different life stories with pretty same problem. Need loads of thinking

Madame Bovary Audiobook by Gustave Flaubert, Eleanor Marx-Aveling (translator)

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Gustave Flaubert) — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 09:01:58 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Madame Bovary Subtitle: Classic Collection Author: Gustave Flaubert, Eleanor Marx-Aveling (translator) Narrator: Simon Vance Format: Unabridged Length: 11 hrs and 39 mins Language: English Release date: 01-16-09 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 150 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: A brilliant psychological portrait, Madame Bovary searingly depicts the human mind in search of transcendence. Acclaimed as a masterpiece upon its publication in 1857, it catapulted Flaubert to the ranks of the world's greatest novelists and ushered in a new age of realism in literature. Critic Reviews: "It still astonishes. If one were to ask, 'World, which is the most perfect novel ever written?' the world would immediately answer: Madame Bovary. " ( Washington Post Book World)" Madame Bovary is like the railroad stations erected in its epoch: graceful, even floral, but cast of iron." (John Updike) Members Reviews: A masterpiece. The narrator does it justice. Of course a book like this is a must listen especially if you have not read it. All depends on the performance and here the narrator doesn't disappoint. I have read this a few times and it was a pleasure to find that listening to it brought a fresh perspective. It is a good translation which does Flaubert justice. If you don't know the story you have a great pleasure waiting for you. Great value. A fantastic first read This was the first book I downloaded from Audible, because a friend of mine was also reading it. It's been years since I read Madame Bovary and I was captured all over again by its brilliance and incredible language, scene setting, character development... Simon Vance's reading voice is perfect: comforting, articulate, soothing. Just a true pleasure. Bored French women are trouble Lessons learned in 300 pages/11 hours: Bored French women are trouble. Men are NOT to be trusted. Doctors don't know jack. If you want your kids to have a good job, raise them to be pharmacists or pawn brokers. Don't buy crap you can't afford. Don't get into debt. If you are going to kill yourself, do it right. Hide your notes. Marry for love. Simon Vance does it again! Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why? Madam Bovary is a masterpiece of literature. He carefully constructs a scenario which draws the reader into a deeper understanding of the "human condition" with vibrant characters, wonderful prose, and commentary on the yearnings of the human heart. What other book might you compare Madame Bovary to and why? Thatcher's "Vanity Fair" discusses the same issues, yet with a satirical wit, that ultimately draws the reader in. What about Simon Vances performance did you like? Simon Vance is a wonderful narrator. His voice and elocution is easy on the ears and his performance speaks to his grasp of the writer's intent. Great Classic for the romantic at heart Great Classic for the Romanic at heart. I had not read this in school so finally got to it and realized it was a simple yet pleasing novel on what we would see today as a simple love, yet in the time this was a toil of near Spakespearian tragedic. What woman would not wish for a man to love her as Emma was loved in her last.

Notes from the Underground Audiobook by Fyodor Dostoevsky, Constance Garnett - translator

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Fyodor Dostoevsky) — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 07:41:08 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Notes from the Underground Author: Fyodor Dostoevsky, Constance Garnett - translator Narrator: Norman Dietz Format: Unabridged Length: 5 hrs and 7 mins Language: English Release date: 07-20-10 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 166 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: A predecessor to such monumental works as Crime and Punishment and The Brothers Karamazov, Notes from the Underground represents a turning point in Fyodor Dostoevsky's writing toward the more political side. In this work, we follow the unnamed narrator of the story, who, disillusioned by the oppression and corruption of the society in which he lives, withdraws from that society into the underground. This "Underground Man" is one of the first genuine antiheroes in European literature. The first part of this unusual work is often treated as a philosophical text in its own right; the second part illustrates the theory of the first by means of its own fictional practice. A dark and politically charged novel, Notes from the Underground shows Dostoevsky at his best. Members Reviews: Sick man! The book begins, "I am a sick man," and we end agreeing. Deep, thought provoking. For those, who know what is existentialism If you like philosophy, you will like this book too. There are a lot of thoughts in it. I recommend to read some professional reviews after lissening this book. a good read. an anti-hero story as relevant today as when it was written. a true precursor to modernism and existential ism. Awful Gross and awful. Don't waste your time. This book is the Jean-Ralphio wooooooorst. Read the spark notes instead, ya'll.

Terre des hommes Livre Audio par Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Antoine de Saint-Exupéry) — Wed, 27 May 2015 08:52:34 GMT

Écoutez ce livre audio dans son intégralité gratuitement sur https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> Titre: Terre des hommes Auteur: Antoine de Saint-Exupéry Narrateur: Marie-Christine Barrault Format: Unabridged Durée: 5 hrs and 6 mins Langue: Français Date de publication: 05-27-15 Éditeur: Gallimard Evaluation: 4.5 sur 5 sur 7 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Résumé de l'éditeur: "Nous habitons une planète errante." Saint-Exupéry, qui vient d'être nommé pilote de ligne, découvre, admire, médite notre planète. Assurant désormais le courrier entre Toulouse et Dakar, il hérite d'une vaste responsabilité à l'égard des hommes, mais surtout de lui-même et de son rapport au monde. Tout en goûtant "la pulpe amère des nuits de vol", il apprend à habiter la planète et la condition d'homme, lit son chemin intérieur à travers les astres. En plus du langage universel, il jouit aussi chaque jour de la fraternité qui le lie à ses camarades du ciel. Il rend hommage à Mermoz ou à Guillaumet, à qui est dédicacé le roman, et dont il rappelle les célèbres paroles : "Ce que j'ai fait, je le jure, jamais aucune bête ne l'aurait fait." ©1939 Éditions Gallimard (P)2008 Éditions Gallimard Avis des membres: Le mythe du hero Epoque ou les valeurs de lhomme étaient en rapport avec les autres français ou européens. Ou lhomme et le patriotisme et le travail et lhéroïsme étaient toutes vertus confondues. Mourir pour le courrier? On imagine pourtant que les dates darrivée de ces correspondances pouvaient être décalées de quelques jours en cas de mauvais temps, mais il fallait faire mieux que les autres, une compétition infernale. Exupery suggère quil cherchait la vie derrière le danger, il aurait pu être alpiniste, mais tout ceci suggère plutôt une fascination morbide pour le monde. La lectrice ressemble à une grand mère lisant un conte de fées à de gentilles petites filles avant le goûter.

Candide (AmazonClassics Edition) Audiobook by Voltaire

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Voltaire) — Fri, 22 Dec 2017 22:43:42 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Candide (AmazonClassics Edition) Author: Voltaire Narrator: James Langton Format: Unabridged Length: 3 hrs and 54 mins Language: English Release date: 12-22-17 Publisher: Brilliance Audio Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: Candide, the illegitimate nephew of a German baron and student of eternal optimist Pangloss, is living a simple and sheltered life in "the best of all possible worlds." But when Candide falls in love with the wrong woman, his uncle's young daughter, he is exiled from the baron's castle and suffers great tragedy and catastrophe, which leaves him disillusioned and questioning the goodness of the universe. Penned in just three days - and published in secret because of its blasphemous and seditious nature - Voltaire's legendary satire deftly skewers religious, romantic, and political naïveté with an acerbic and ribald wit that delights to this day. Revised edition: Previously published as Candide, this edition of Candide (AmazonClassics Edition) includes editorial revisions. Members Reviews: The most cheerful tale of human suffering you'll ever find Candide is amazing! Love, love, loved this book. Candide is a celebration of all the misery that being human has to offer, which sounds weird to say but it absolutely true. Witty, almost impossibly creativity, and surprisingly insightful. Forget the slog of reading another "classic" that moves at the pace of molasses and requires a thesaurus and sparknotes app, Candide is eminently readable and impressively buoyant for a book that deals with graphic violence, sexual assault, and every assortment of human miseries imaginable. I laughed out loud multiple times, which earned me strange looks from the librarian, trying saying the same about the work of any other 17th century French philosopher. Candide also functions as a piece of proper philosophy in addition to pure entertainment. The payoff at the end to "Tend your own garden" is perennially good advice, especially if you happen to follow US politics (sorry, but I just went there). "Work then without disputing, it is the only way to render life supportable.â PS. The careful reader will also note that the meaning of the word "ravish" has changed significantly over the centuries. An imaginative satire I read Candide when I was a teenager. I was surprised to learn I actually read only the first book. The very short book two caught me by surprise! I enjoyed it, though I thought book one was by far superior to book two. Maybe that's why the second book was not included in the version I read years ago. Candide is a classic, and it deserves to be. Whatever is, is right? Not to Voltaire. Candide and his several companions encounter catastrophe everywhere, yet Candide travels around the world clinging (somewhat reluctantly) to Dr. Pangloss' outlook that this is the best of all possible worlds. Candide's friends die, and then miraculously return to life and just happen to cross paths with Candide. Beautiful people turn ugly and back to beautiful again. Candide receives riches only to be bilked out of them. The improbable becomes commonplace. This is a fun book. It's short and pretty easy to read. I just wish I enjoyed it as much at my second reading! A great work of satire, pithy, and easy to read Itâs a parody of Optimism as a philosophy. Voltaire mocks Candideâs nave optimism, but itâs not clear to me what his true beliefs are from a simple reading of the text. Voltaire may ridicule Optimism as simplistic, but he doesnât offer anything in its place. Candide has successes and failures that seem passive rather than intentional.

Swann's Way Audiobook by Marcel Proust, Scott Moncrieff - translator

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Marcel Proust) — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 02:02:10 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Swann's Way Author: Marcel Proust, Scott Moncrieff - translator Narrator: George Guidall Format: Unabridged Length: 21 hrs and 26 mins Language: English Release date: 08-29-11 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 49 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: Swanns Way is the first and best-known part of Prousts monumental work, Remembrance of Things Past. Often compared to a symphony, this complex masterpiece is ideally suited for audio. Listening lets you appreciate anew the incredible beauty of Prousts language and the uniqueness of his style. The novels narrator, Marcel, finds the true meaning of experience in memories stimulated by some random object or event. He recalls his childhood, and eventually reconstructs the story of Monsieur Swann and his passion for Odette, a beautiful, but socially inferior woman. Marcels waking reverie gives rise to fascinating questions about the meaning of time. Swanns Way, with its long passages of intricate introspection, becomes much more accessible and enjoyable with George Guidalls lucid narration.Includes an exclusive interview with Mary Ann Caws, Distinguished Professor of English, French, and Comparative Literature at CUNY. Editorial Reviews: Recorded Books has selected a narrator who makes Proust light-going, if that's imaginable. George Guidall draws us into the banter and gossip of the provincial French bourgeoisie; he makes us feel as if we were at the table with Marcel's family or sharing the parlor with Monsieur Swann's coterie. More impressive still is the ease with which he handles even the most difficult exposition. Try, for instance, Guidall's rendition of "Combray," a complex meditation on Marcel's childhood at his family's country home. What might have been sleep-inducing becomes a haunting, even mesmerizing, experience - the mark of a virtuoso audiobook narrator. Members Reviews: Beautiful, BUT This is the first book of an extraordinary seven part novel. I listened to the samples of all the versions available on audible, and as soon as I heard George Guidalls narration I was hooked. With a narration the least bit pedantic or dry or florid or scholarly this could be quite tiresome. Guidalls light touch and almost childlike tone was perfect for the story. This is less a story than ephemerally connected evocations, exploring the associations between memory and sense and time. The writing is introspective, complex and beautiful. The only downside that, after completing this first part, I found this narrator had not read the other parts on Audible. The samples by Rowe and Jason did not entice me. I hope Guidall will narrate the other parts. This version has the best narrator I fully appreciated this version of the novel for two reasons: I had read the Graphic Novel of the book (comic book) by Stephane Heuet, and I absolutely always love a George Guidall narration. I haven't listened to the other versions of this volume by other narrators, there's no need to since nobody narrates better than Guidall. For me, this is a rare fictional book in which I would have been served by reading the physical copy since I could have underlined all of the brilliant lines within the text which clearly transcended the story that is ostensibly being told.

Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea Audiobook by Jules Verne

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Jules Verne) — Fri, 13 May 2016 14:42:39 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea Author: Jules Verne Narrator: Bill Homewood Format: Unabridged Length: 18 hrs and 51 mins Language: English Release date: 05-13-16 Publisher: Naxos AudioBooks Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 69 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: The most exciting underwater adventure ever! In 1866 a mysterious giant whale savagely attacks ships in international seas. A famous French marine biologist, Pierre Aronnax, joins the hunt to track down and incapacitate the creature. With him are his loyal servant, Conseil, and redoubtable Canadian harpooner Ned Land. They soon find that their enemy is no sea beast but a brilliantly designed submarine. They are captured and imprisoned by its master, the sinister Captain Nemo. The story is relentlessly thrilling while containing beautifully written observations of underwater life. Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea has been hugely influential on popular culture, having inspired several stage and film adaptations, including a Walt Disney film with Kirk Douglas. Captain Nemo also appears as a main character in the graphic novel and film The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. Bill Homewood's distinctive voice is perfect for the French classics: He has previously read The Hunchback of Notre Dame and The Three Musketeers for Naxos AudioBooks and is "...a narrator so perfectly matched to his material that you can't help but smile" (The Times). Members Reviews: A good one A good reading of this complex masterpiece. It starts with a complete translation, which only a handful of Verne audiobooks do: the ones narrated by James Frain and Norman Dietz are among this handful. Most Americans are unaware of just how hacked up most translations of Verne are; this is one of the better ones. (If the book starts with the sentence "The year 1866 was signalised by..." put it back on the shelf: it's a notoriously bad and butchered translation.) Bill Homewood has a formal style of narration, complete with trilled Rs, but it lends itself well to some of the lyrical descriptions of nature that appear here. I wouldn't mind hearing a few more Verne books narrated by him. Great book the story is a bit slow, not Lord of the rings slow, but the list of fish seen gets a bit tiresome at points. otherwise, this book, a true classic, is amazing. No giant squid?! Good book though Guuuuvvvv hyuu yuu hhcgh hhjv hhh h h j h h h h h h A Little Flat This was well-written (well, it *is* a classic, after all) if a little description-heavy, and the reader's voice made for very pleasant listening. However, the reader's voice was so calm and mellow, it made the more exciting bits...not very. There was also very little of the more violent emotion shown in the reading - which might be fairly accurate as this is a first-person narrative and the more violent emotions come from other people. All-in-all, I enjoyed this but found it more soothing and interesting than exciting. I feel that Jules Verne was probably going for exciting so judge for yourself whether this is positive or negative. A whale of a tale! This is the world's best story. l know that everyone says that about their favorite book, but I will never forget this tale.

Una partida de Ajedrez [A Game of Chess] Audio Libro por Stefan Zweig

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Stefan Zweig) — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 00:20:28 GMT

Escuche este audio libro completo gratis en https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> Título: Una partida de Ajedrez [A Game of Chess] Autor: Stefan Zweig Narrador: Víctor Prieto Formato: Unabridged Duración: 2 hrs and 45 mins Idioma: Español Fecha de publicación: 12-15-10 Editor: NEAR, S.A. Calificaciones: 4 de 5 de 7 votos Categorías: Classics, European Literature Resumen del editor: Stefan Zweig nació en Viena, Austria, el 28 de noviembre de 1881 hijo de una familia judía acomodada. Estudió en la Universidad de Viena en la que obtuvo el título de doctor en Filosofía. A lo largo de su vida, Zweig viajó por multitud de países y mantuvo amistad con los grandes intelectuales de su tiempo. Durante la primera guerra mundial tuvo que exiliarse en Zurich a causa de sus ideas pacifistas. De 1919 a 1935 Zweig residió en Salzburgo. En 1935 se exilió en Inglaterra. Durante la segunda guerra mundial se refugió en Brasil. Convencido de la victoria de Hitler y con ella, de la destrucción de los valores culturales europeos, se suicidó, junto a su esposa en Petrópolis, Brasil, el 22 de febrero de 1942. Stefan Zweig es, sin duda, uno de los grandes escritores del siglo XX, y su obra ha sido traducida a más de cincuenta idiomas. ¿Por qué han tenido tanto éxito sus obras? Según Zweig: el éxito de mis libros proviene de que soy un lector impaciente. Sólo un libro que se mantiene siempre, página tras página sobre su nivel y que arrastra al lector hasta la última línea sin dejarle tomar aliento, me proporciona un perfecto deleite. Una partida de Ajedrez es, una reflexión sobre la neurosis, a través de la pérdida de cordura de un hombre a manos de la Gestapo. La acción transcurre en un barco, rumbo a Buenos Aires. En él viaja el campeón del mundo de ajedrez Mirko Czentovicz, al que McConnor, un acaudalado hombre de negocios, reta a una partida. Durante el juego, otro pasajero, el doctor B comienza a sugerir movimientos. Entonces sabemos que este doctor B huye de los nazis, que lo han mantenido encerrado en una casa durante meses, aislado, sin poder hablar con nadie aparte de sus vigilantes. El robo de un libro sobre ajedrez le permitió ocupar su mente en algo y liberarse del vacío intelectual de su cautiverio. Así, comenzó a repasar, una y otra vez, las grandes partidas de la historia, hasta alcanzar estados febriles. Pero esta única ocupación mental, que lo liberó del vacío, terminará por convertirse en una neurosis aún mayor que la de su encierro. Zweig huye de toda descripción superflua, y de diálogos extensos. Su cuidada técnica literaria destaca en la construcción psicológica de los personajes. Please note: This audiobook is in Spanish. Opiniones de los miembros: Excelente novela corta Una breve, pero excelente novela, que hace sentir lo que puede suceder en la mente de los grandes maestros del ajedrez. La narración es aceptable, aunque la constante música de fondo distrae la atención y llega a cansar. Mucho ruido de fondo no me gustó, básicamente por la música de fondo, la cual impide escuchar por momentos los diálogos, tal vez sin este ruido de fondo se aprecie mejor. Loved it Classic story, first time I hear it. Loved every minute of it! Chess will always fascinate, and this story has no boring parts. Amazing how much content you can put info "a game of chess".

Faust. Der Tragödie erster Teil Hörbuch von Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Johann Wolfgang von Goethe) — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 13:60:40 GMT

Hören Sie sich dieses volle Hörbuch kostenlos bei https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> Titel: Faust. Der Tragödie erster Teil Autor:: Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Erzähler: Jürgen Fritsche Format: Unabridged Spieldauer: 4 hrs and 53 mins Sprache: Deutsch Veröffentlichungsdatum: 06-17-16 Herausgeber: Bäng Management & Verlag Bewertung: 4 von 5 von 4 Stimmen Kategorien: Classics, European Literature Zusammenfassung des Herausgebers: Goethes wohl bekanntestes Werk über den Gelehrten Heinrich Faust, der einen Pakt mit dem Teufel eingeht, um seinen Wissensdurst in allen Bereichen des Lebens zu stillen. Ungekürzte Lesung! Mit dabei: Eine pdf-Datei mit Trackliste sowie mit dem kompletten Text des Werkes zum Mitlesen! Zu diesem Titel erhalten Sie eine PDF-Datei, die nach dem Kauf automatisch Ihrer Bibliothek hinzugefügt wird. © Gemeinfrei (P)2016 Bäng Management & Verlags GmbH & Co. KG Mitglieder Bewertungen: A classic If you like philosophy and intersting ways of describing emotions this will be a pleasure for you.

Crime and Punishment (Audio Connoisseur Edition) Audiobook

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Fyodor Dostoevsky) — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 12:12:01 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Crime and Punishment (Audio Connoisseur Edition) Author: Fyodor Dostoevsky, Constance Garnett (translator) Narrator: Charlton Griffin Format: Unabridged Length: 24 hrs and 22 mins Language: English Release date: 02-25-08 Publisher: Audio Connoisseur Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 520 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: Raskolnikov the intellectual divides humanity into two types: the meek, submissive mass of mankind and the "Supermen". The Nietzschean Superman can violate any law or principle to attain his beneficial ends. Since Raskolnikov has allied himself with the Superman, he intends to prove his superiority by committing a murder without remorse by eliminating an "undesirable" person. The novel's central question is whether it is justifiable to commit an atrocity in order to improve humanity. Dostoevsky shows us that a person cannot control and direct his life solely with his reason and intellect, that free will is limited. Listen as one of the finest psychological novels ever written unfolds. Translated by Constance Garnett. Members Reviews: Perfect narrator! Simply amazing narrator! Charlton Griffin, with his mellifluous voice and always-clear perfect diction, breathes new life into this classic Russian novel. He performs every speaker - even women's voices - with artistry, interest, and believability to such an extent that even some of the minor characters (who would ordinarily get lost in the story or seem boring) become interesting. I can't imagine trying to listen to this otherwise long, dark story without the kind of masterful narration that Mr. Griffin gives us. (I will surely seek out all of his narrations!) Anyway, if you are interested in (finally?) delving into this classic, I highly recommend this truly outstanding version! Involving and convincing. I had read the book many years ago, but remembered only that I struggled through the difficult literature, often losing the story line. So I bought the Audiobook to listen to it again and have to admit, I was surprised at the ease with wich the narrator relayed the story. The story is not easy to follow, with difficult emotions, thought processes and circumstances to picture in one's imagination. I think the narrator does an excellent job at involving and convincing the listener of these difficult aspects of the book. Raskolnikov (the main character) is an obscure character in even more obscure circumstances. Throughout the events of the book, his emotions and thought processes take the listener on a journey of the human condition focussing on questions that are still relevant and un-answered today. It culminates in an unexpectedly "correct" yet strangely unfortunate ending, leaving the listener with an appetite to know what happened during the remainder of his exile and thereafter. As for the author, Dostoyevsky, all I can say is that the story could not have been written without deep, real, personal experiences which are difficult to recreate in the way that he does. I would not want to delete a single explanation or description given throughout the story as it would undermine the overall experience. A true classic, and very satisfactorily relayed. Fantastic This audiobook is incredible. The narration is above and beyond any audiobook I've listened to. You surely will not be dissapointed with this one. You feel yourself getting into a criminals mind. Taking every step with him and feeling every emotion. SUBERB. Don't miss this one. Crime and Punishment This is my first Dostoevsky experience and I wasn't quite sure what to expect.

The Twelve Chairs [Russian Edition] Audiobook by Ilya Ilf, Evgeny Petrov

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Ilya Ilf) — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 11:27:55 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Twelve Chairs [Russian Edition] Author: Ilya Ilf, Evgeny Petrov Narrator: Veniamin Smehov Format: Unabridged Length: 8 hrs and 55 mins Language: English Release date: 02-12-15 Publisher: Interactive Media Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 57 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: The Twelve Chairs is one of the most popular and prolific satirical novels written by Odessa-based Ilya Ilf and Yevgeny Petrov. Set in Soviet Russia, the story starts with a deathbed confession about substantial family treasures hidden from the Bolsheviks in one of the twelve chairs. A team of treasure hunters is quickly formed. Smooth operator Ostap Bender and Kisa, the Pussycat, set off to track down the chairs. They are not alone in their quest. Father Fyodor took advantage of the deathbed confession and has also set off to recover the fortune. Read in Russian by Veniamin Smehov. This release is part of the Russian Audio Library collection published by Sovereign Classic - www.sovereignclassic.net Members Reviews: Outstanding! The narrator made the experience of listening to this book outstanding! Very expressive and passionate he knew exactly how to narrate such a complicated multi-character story. I loved it It's a classic that never gets old and tired, hilarious and timeless. I wish I could buy in Russia when I live there during the communist regime Talented reading Great!! Loved it very much. Smehov is very talented. I would recommend the book. Russian. Amazing Keep in mind this is in Russian language, but the story is a classic and and Smekhov's performance is PHENOMENAL Russian language book Great story with excellent narrator! I read this book several times, but each time I enjoy this book more and more. Real gem of great Russian literature ! I saw the movie version of this book. The movie is excellent, with great actors. There is an American version of this book too! Great fun!

Le comte de Monte-Cristo I Livre Audio par Alexandre Dumas

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Alexandre Dumas) — Thu, 03 Dec 2015 05:04:14 GMT

Écoutez ce livre audio dans son intégralité gratuitement sur https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> Titre: Le comte de Monte-Cristo I Auteur: Alexandre Dumas Narrateur: Éric Herson-Macarel Format: Unabridged Durée: 25 hrs and 14 mins Langue: Français Date de publication: 12-03-15 Éditeur: Sixtrid Evaluation: 5 sur 5 sur 48 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Résumé de l'éditeur: Marseille, 1815. Edmond Dantès ramène à bon port, après la mort de son capitaine, le trois-mâts "Le pharaon". Bientôt capitaine de ce bateau et fiancé à la belle Mercédès, il voit ses espérances comblées. Jamais le bonheur n'a été aussi proche. Mais soudain, le soir du repas de fiançailles le rêve se brise. Une dénonciation anonyme, une machination diabolique le sépare de son amour, l'enterre vivant dans un cachot, séparé à jamais du monde des vivants. Edmond Dantès se retrouve prisonnier au château d'If. Qui veut lui nuire ? Pourquoi ? Dantès l'ignore et se raccroche aux belles paroles de ses geôliers. Mais les années passent et la folie le guette ! Au plus profond du désespoir, dans la nuit perpétuelle de sa cellule, Edmond fait connaissance d'un autre prisonnier, l'abbé Faria. Il apprendra alors, outre une phénoménale connaissance de l'être humain, le secret de l'emplacement d'un inestimable trésor. Edmond Dantès disparaîtra à tout jamais, à la mort de son ami, lorsqu'il prendra la place de son cadavre pour fuir. Après un long séjour en Italie et la découverte effective du fabuleux trésor de l'abbé Faria, il renaîtra en comte de Monte-Cristo et reviendra en France pour se préparer à assouvir son inexorable vengeance. © Domaine public (P)2015 Sixtrid SAS Avis des membres: Great rendition of a great classic. The story is classic, beautifully woven together in an expansive narrative (conveniently long for many hours of enjoyment) full of adventure, tragedy, revenge but also comedy and hope. The narrator has a very enjoyable voice, and through his expression gives additional life to the story far beyond reading. For example, I found that the narrator renders the full impact of the funnier scenes, causing outright laughter. I chose this book to test out audiobooks. I was unsure of the format, but thought the poetic writing style of Dumas would lend itself to being read aloud. My expectations were far exceeded, and this book has rescued tedious hours folding laundry or and executing simple but time consuming tasks at work. clásicos a leer u escuchar buenísimos para aprender francés. Que se diga que No pasa de moda. y oportuno siempre bravo c'est mon premier audio book en français. le travail de narration de eric herson-macarel est vraiment remarquable, vous ne vous rendez pas conpte qu'il lis, vous aurait limpression que dumas lui même vous raconte une histoire sortie de son imagination. bravo. et ce livre me donne envie de lire l'homme au masque de fer, les mousquetaires... Great story. Beginning of the book was brilliant but the second part, Paris stay, is somehow a bit more slow or heavy to listen. Performance is always very good. I'll buy Tome 2 right now. Enjoy this book :-) Suspenseful! Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why? Yes - who knew that Dumas had written such a suspenseful and exciting novel? After having read The Three Musketeers I had no appreciation of his artistic flair, that of the thriller. Excited and can hardly wait for Part 2 to be available on Audible.

El amante liberal [The Liberal Lover] Audio Libro por Miguel de Cervantes

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Miguel de Cervantes) — Thu, 10 Mar 2016 11:30:52 GMT

Escuche este audio libro completo gratis en https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> Título: El amante liberal [The Liberal Lover] Autor: Miguel de Cervantes Narrador: Pablo Lopez Formato: Unabridged Duración: 1 hr and 17 mins Idioma: Español Fecha de publicación: 03-10-16 Editor: Sonolibro Calificaciones: 4.5 de 5 de 2 votos Categorías: Classics, European Literature Resumen del editor: Ricardo un joven caballero mientras está cautivo en Turquía cuenta a su amigo Mahamut , como ha llegado hasta allí. En Trápana vivía Leonisa una bellísima joven de la que Ricardo estaba totalmente enamorado, pero sin ser correspondido ya que parecía ella sentír inclinación por Cornelio. Aparecieron un día por la costa turcos y se llevaron cautivos a todos cuantos pillaron incluso a Ricardo y Leonisa. Pero uno de los barcos en los que los llevaban presos naufraga y Ricardo cree que el amor de su vida ha muerto en el naufragio.Pero la verdad es otra. Leonisa no se ahogó sino que cayó en manos de un comerciante judío que acaba vendiéndola a Ali y Hazan que la quieren comprar para ofrecersela al Gran turco como regalo. Please note: This audiobook is in Spanish.

Gargantua and Pantagruel Audiobook by François Rabelais

biacuaduc@gmail.com (François Rabelais) — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 23:04:24 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Gargantua and Pantagruel Author: François Rabelais Narrator: Bill Homewood Format: Unabridged Length: 34 hrs and 54 mins Language: English Release date: 08-23-16 Publisher: Naxos AudioBooks Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 10 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: "Most noble and illustrious drinkers..." Thus begins Gargantua and Pantagruel, a grotesque and carnivalesque collection of exuberant, fantastical stories that takes us from the ancient world through to the European Renaissance. At the heart of these tall tales are the giant Gargantua and his equally seismic son, Pantagruel. Containing magical adventures, maniacal punning, slapstick humor, erudite allusions, and just about any bodily function one can think of, here is quite possibly the zaniest, most risqué book ever written. Featuring the original translation by Urquhart and Motteaux - celebrated for its fluidity and playfulness. Bill Homewood gives a virtuosic and delightfully exuberant reading of this extraordinary text - "a narrator so perfectly matched to his material that you can't help but smile." [The Times (London)] Members Reviews: Rabelais alive and well All right. This is a loooong book. Actually five books. And they werer written two hundred years ago. Original is in French, but IMO, this translation is very good. Gargantua is a gentle giant . An intellect. A warrior. And a wise King. His son Pantagruel is also huge, and watching his development during his early years is a delight. Most of the books deal with Pantagruel's doings, and with his hilarious group of pals. There is some very funny stuff going on. And if anyone thinks that Chaucer is the master of the long list or catalogue, then meet Rabelais. He can give you two or more pages of words that mean crappy lawyers, or excrement, and corrupt priests, etc etc. A lot of the latter part of the work is the quest for a prediction as to whether friend Panurge will be successful in marriage. All the various attempts at this are quite fun. I am glad to have finally encountered and read this great satire. Read This Book! I love Francois Rabelais's Gargantua and Pantagruel. I first read this wonderful book when I was 12 years old and I laughed and stayed up threw the night just to read it. Rabelais is for real and he relishes every moment and every conceivable fart or noise that celebrates our human existence. I read Gargantua and Pantagruel in English and I am sure the French version is just as wild, perhaps even more so! This is a wonderful author to read. I have really enjoyed it although the language and style are difficult I was unaware of Rabelais and only knew that Gargantua was a term for a giant. I have really enjoyed it although the language and style are difficult. Lots of fun, food for thought Holds up as a classic farce that is as relevant today as it was when it was written. I'm glad they can enjoy Not the knee slapper I thought it would be. Some people are in to this sort of book. I'm glad they can enjoy.

Du côté de chez Swann (A la recherche du temps perdu 1) Livre Audio par Marcel Proust

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Marcel Proust) — Thu, 06 Feb 2014 17:60:59 GMT

Écoutez ce livre audio dans son intégralité gratuitement sur https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> Titre: Du côté de chez Swann (A la recherche du temps perdu 1) Auteur: Marcel Proust Narrateur: Daniel Mesguich Format: Abridged Durée: 4 hrs and 46 mins Langue: Français Date de publication: 02-06-14 Éditeur: Frémeaux & Associés Evaluation: 4.5 sur 5 sur 13 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Résumé de l'éditeur: Pour la première fois, un éditeur propose l'essentiel de l'œuvre de Marcel Proust, en présentant une écoute choisie d'À la recherche du temps perdu. Frémeaux & Associés met à la disposition du public la quintessence du chef-d'œuvre de Marcel Proust, ici sélectionnée avec soin et finesse par Paul Desalmand puis transmise, avec une justesse et une maîtrise de la langue remarquables, par Daniel Mesguich qui met tout son talent au service de la beauté et du sens du texte. Un voyage au cœur de cette œuvre immense et grandiose dans laquelle Marcel Proust peint avec précision, humour et subtilité les circonvolutions de la psychologie humaine. Du côté de chez Swann : Ce sublime début de la Recherche commence dans un parfum d'aubépine, de tilleul et de catleya, sur un air de Vinteuil. À travers le regard du jeune narrateur nous sont présentés la charmante Odette, le délicat Monsieur Swann, le piquant clan des Verdurin, la merveilleuse duchesse de Guermantes, la vieille Tante Léonie, la servante au cœur simple, Françoise, ainsi qu'une quantité d'autres personnages qui peuplent l'univers réel et rêvé du garçon. Daniel Mesguich donne vie avec sensibilité et humour à ce florilège de caractères évoluant dans un cadre empreint d'une charmante mélancolie qu'embaume le parfum d'une madeleine. ©2013 Frémeaux & Associés (P)2013 Frémeaux & Associés

The Sorrows of Young Werther Audiobook by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Johann Wolfgang von Goethe) — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 10:37:11 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Sorrows of Young Werther Author: Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Narrator: Jim Donaldson Format: Unabridged Length: 5 hrs and 16 mins Language: English Release date: 09-26-12 Publisher: Trout Lake Media Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 79 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: The Sorrows of Young Werther was Goethe's first major success, turning him from an unknown into a celebrated author practically overnight. Napoleon Bonaparte considered it one of the great works of European literature. He thought so highly of it that he wrote a soliloquy in Goethe's style in his youth and carried Werther with him on his campaigning to Egypt. It also started the phenomenon known as the "Werther-Fieber" ("Werther Fever") which caused young men throughout Europe to dress in the clothing style described for Werther in the novel. Werther made Goethe one of the first international literary celebrities. Towards the end of his life, a personal visit to Weimar became crucial to any young man's tour of Europe. Werther was an important novel of the Sturm und Drang period in German literature, and influenced the later Romantic literary movement. Members Reviews: Believe the hype For a meditative, melancholy book that inspired copycat suicides in its heyday -- nearly two an a half centuries ago -- this book absolutely holds up. Literature and art of all kinds in this vein risk coming off as petulant, whiny, and -- in modern parlance -- "emo"; but this book avoids those pitfalls and achieves -- and maintains -- an insightful, touching, and brilliant narrative. Timeless and heartbreakingly relatable. This reminds me of an ex-boyfriend...or two Girls, how many times have you had this, or a similar, conversation? Him: But, why? You: Because, I just don't like you that way. Him: But how do you know? You haven't even given me a chance. This is usually followed by begging and pleading, late night phone calls "just to hear your voice" and random flowers showing up at your doorstep. It would seem that boys haven't changed much in a couple hundred years. Or maybe it's just me and I shouldn't have dated all those moody artists in college. The above is the basic story in this book. It was written in 1774 by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. This book was an artistic expression of his own life. He had become infatuated with a woman named Charlotte, who rejected him and married someone else. The Sorrows of Young Wether is an epistolary novel, written in letters, all from the main character, Werther, to his good friend, Wilhelm. The letters read like a diary, becoming increasingly disturbed as Wether's hopes of winning over Charlotte become more remote. Jim Donaldson is a great narrator. His performance becomes more and more emotional as the book progresses, following along with the characters moods, until he sounds like he's a crying, blubbering mess. He makes you really see the emotions. But it is somewhat uncomfortable to listen to. Historically Interesting but no Faust This was an interesting and a very influential example of Storm & Stress proto-romanticism and of early Goethe. The narration was also very good, but I did not find this work as timeless or moving as Faust or later classical romantic novels. I found the characters and situations quite overdone, like an eighteenth century soap opera. If you like flawed and tragic romantic heroes perhaps you will enjoy this story. I really liked the brief Ossian poems near the end.

The Trial Audiobook by Franz Kafka, Mike Mitchell (translator)

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Franz Kafka) — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 04:39:41 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Trial Author: Franz Kafka, Mike Mitchell (translator) Narrator: Scott Brick Format: Unabridged Length: 8 hrs and 56 mins Language: English Release date: 11-16-12 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 86 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: One of the great works of the 20th century, Kafka's The Trial has been read as a study of political power, a pessimistic religious parable, or a crime novel where the accused man is himself the problem. In it, a man wakes up one morning to find himself under arrest for an offence which is never explained. Faced with this ambiguous but threatening situation, Josef K. gradually succumbs to its psychological pressure. One of the iconic figures of modern world literature, Kafka writes about universal problems of guilt, responsibility, and freedom. He offers no solutions, but provokes his listeners to arrive at meanings of their own. Mike Mitchell's translation captures Kafka's distinctive style. Based on the best available German text, it includes not only the main text but the chapters Kafka left incomplete. Members Reviews: Was my unabridged audible book missing a charpter? Any additional comments? My version of the audible book ended with K. driving off to see his mother - no resolution to anything. Everything was still open. Did I get the complete book? It was supposed to be unabridged. questions are better than answers What can be said about this book that hasn't already. I think listening to compared to reading would far better as it gets tedious in points. It's a tedious by design however which makes the story brilliant. Check out Night Vale, it's a free podcast (sorry Audible) which plays with the same kind of weird but normal world Kafka masters. Not happy with this story I thought this would have been a little more philosophical but it ended up being a metaphor for life I think. Nothing earth breaking and in time boring. The Trial: Lost in a Sea of Pretentious Fishes. What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you? I am entirely convinced that the point of this book went totally over my head and I completely missed it. I swam in a sea of surrealism laced with pretentious fishes, got really lost and drowned in it. Has The Trial put you off other books in this genre? It hasn't put me off of books from this genre. Classics are always going to have amazing stories and sometimes you're going to come across one that you just don't understand why everyone makes such a big deal about it. Would you listen to another book narrated by Scott Brick? Yes. Scott Brick is a very good narrator, well paced and an interesting, well spoken voice. What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment? I was disappointed. I had been lead to believe this was one of the greats. I found it to be really pretentious and boring. It failed to grip me and I could have been listening to something else but for me Classics are books that should be read by everyone, so that they can be discussed and debated. So really I am glad to have read it so I can have an opinion on it but unfortunately it will be a negative one.

Los Miserables Audio Libro por Victor Hugo

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Victor Hugo) — Wed, 17 Nov 2004 20:59:46 GMT

Escuche este audio libro completo gratis en https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> Título: Los Miserables Autor: Victor Hugo Narrador: full cast Formato: Abridged Duración: 3 hrs and 54 mins Idioma: Español Fecha de publicación: 11-17-04 Editor: FonoLibro Inc. (Audiolibros - Audio Libros) Calificaciones: 4.5 de 5 de 58 votos Categorías: Classics, European Literature Resumen del editor: Audiobook dramatized in Spanish based on the original story of Victor Hugo. Cataloged as the first social literary work of its time, Les Miserables is one of the most famous novels of all times. It is the story of Jean Valjean, a convict that was unjustly imprisoned for 19 years for stealing a loaf of bread. After being released, Valjean tries to escape from his past full of depravation and badness to live a normal and honest life. However, his past returns when inspector Javert recognizes him, and begins obsessively to pursue Valjean to put him back in prison. This pursuit consumes the life of both men, and concludes in an unexpected end. FonoLibro brings you this excellent dramatization of Victor Hugo's masterpiece, with a full cast, original music, and sound effects that will shake you and reach your heart. Reseñas Editoriales: This Spanish-language production of Les Miserables features a full-cast ensemble. Based on the 19th-century novel by Victor Hugo, Los Miserables follows the lives of several Parisian residents during the tumultuous time preceding the 1832 June Rebellion. Filled with tragedy, heartache, beauty, and devastating social commentary that still rings true to this day, this Spanish production features original music, songs, and sound effects. Finally Spanish speakers can appreciate a stage adaptation of Victor Hugo's epic masterpiece in their native language. Opiniones de los miembros: ?Excelente novela! Este audiolibro es una verdadera obre de arte. Es una dramatizaci?n que te transporta dentro de la novela y que no puedes dejar de escuchar. ?Excelente! Espectacular Toca el alma, una lectura que construye y nos vuelve más humanos. gracias exelente titulo Magistral libro Un libro apasionante con una narración extraordinario. Te hace ver a los personajes e introducirte en cada escena. Una vez que empiezas no quieres dejarlo.

Within a Budding Grove Audiobook by Marcel Proust

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Marcel Proust) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 22:42:48 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Within a Budding Grove Author: Marcel Proust Narrator: John Rowe Format: Unabridged Length: 23 hrs and 11 mins Language: English Release date: 07-06-09 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 102 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: In the second volume of Proust's great novel, the narrator emerges as an actor in the drama of his own life. Swann has now dwindled into a husband for his former mistress, Odette, and their daughter, Gilberte, becomes the adolescent narrator's playmate and tantalising love object. We move from Paris to the seaside town of Balbec, from ritualised social performances to midsummer spontaneity and from Gilberte to her successor, Albertine. In Balbec, the narrator is befriended by the painter Elstir who introduces him both to the craft of painting and to the mysterious 'little band' of girls. An artistic education is thus intricately interwoven with a journey of sexual self-discovery. This is now the entire audiobook, not in two parts. Members Reviews: insomniac's dream Proust writes marvelous stuff, but his interminable sentences can make his work difficult to read. Now, John Rowe to the rescue: he reads so sensitively, it's like listening to one's own thoughts. I was so glad to find he's started another volume of Proust's masterwork, and look forward eagerly to the second installment, and hopefully more to come. Insomniacs, take note: with Marcel Proust/James Rowe on your iPod, you may be able to jettison the Lunesta. I mean this in a good way (and I think that Proust, who wrote at night in that cork-lined room, would have approved): the narrative is absorbing, complex, seductive, and nonlinear, perfect for bedtime (or the wee hours of the night), as it hardly matters where you leave off or pick it up again. more John Rowe, s.v.p. having now completed the second volume of proust's amazing seven volume work, i am more convinced than ever that the ONLY voice for proust's narrator is john rowe. more, please. A fine reading of Proust Rowe's performance feels less arch than Neville's. I like them both but preferred Rowe, this time around. I only wish Rowe had finished the series. Or, if he has, I wish Audible would make the rest of it available. Better than hard copy Rowe's reading is brilliant. In fact, I've found the whole work more accessible and seductive as a listen than I did as a hard-copy read, thanks in large measure to Rowe's sensitive and often illuminating performance. I can't wait for the rest of the volumes to be available. John Rowe is the reader for Proust and Moncrief I've finished the first two volumes on audio book, occasionally reading on Kindle with the second volume, but I find it almost easier to follow John Rowe's narrative (though I read all six volumes in the tiny-script hardbacks back in the 90s). Now I'm listening to The Guermantes' Way, with the Neville narration. Just started. Maybe I'm in the transition phase, but I really miss my friend John Rowe. He took me through the labyrinthian sentences so smoothly. Maybe I'll grow to like Neville, but at the beginning of volume three he was too fast and didn't lead me as effortlessly Rowe. Anyway, apparently there is no choice. Rowe only recorded the first two volumes. (If I'm wrong let me know). I have not dipped into newest written translations, which are said to be really good. And after I finish this round of Proust (with the Moncrief translation), I'll start again with the contemporay one). But Moncrief is so good, so good I don't know if I'm hearing Proust or Moncrief (or Rowe).

Under Western Eyes Audiobook by Joseph Conrad

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Joseph Conrad) — Mon, 25 Jul 2016 14:49:36 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Under Western Eyes Author: Joseph Conrad Narrator: George Guidall Format: Unabridged Length: 12 hrs and 35 mins Language: English Release date: 07-25-16 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 3 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: Under Western Eyes, Conrad's novel of political treachery and oppression, begins with a bomb that kills a hated Russian minister of police along with innocent bystanders. A young student named Razumov hides the perpetrator, then betrays him and becomes a spy among his exiled comrades. He faces a moral dilemma from which there is no escape. This masterwork, published six years before the Russian Revolution, is a chillingly accurate prophecy of what was to come. Members Reviews: Perfect narrator, great story George Guidall does a brilliant job of this psychological thriller. A genuine classic, reminded me of Dostoyevsky's Crime and Punishment. Great insight into someone who is put into an impossible situation, unwillingly dragged into a terrorist act in tsarist Russia. Conrad is a great story-teller. Robert in SFO

The Skeptic's Guide to the Great Books Audiobook by The Great Courses

biacuaduc@gmail.com (The Great Courses) — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 00:18:06 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Skeptic's Guide to the Great Books Author: The Great Courses Narrator: Professor Grant L. Voth Format: Original Recording Length: 6 hrs and 10 mins Language: English Release date: 07-08-13 Publisher: The Great Courses Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 85 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: Daunted by the "great big books" of the Western canon? Looking for the same pleasures, satisfactions, and insights from books that are shorter, more accessible, and less dependent on classical references and difficult language than tomes such as Moby-Dick and Ulysses? The truth is that there are so many works that are just as engaging, just as enjoyable, and - most important - just as insightful about great human themes and ideas as anything you'd encounter on a college-level reading list. These 12 highly rewarding lectures offer you an introduction to 12 works that redefine what great literature is and how it can reveal startling truths about life-all without being such a chore to read. Here you'll discover alternatives to the traditional "great books" - Dead Souls as an alternative to War and Peace, and The Master and Margarita as an alternative to Faust. You'll also encounter books from genres that traditionally fall outside the purview of the Western canon. For example, you'll learn how John le Carré's The Spy Who Came In from the Cold transforms the spy novel into serious literature, and how Watchmen by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons injects the comic-book format with a startling level of realism. Professor Voth excels at both unpacking the significance of a literary work and instilling excitement for it, be it a novella, a collection of short stories, or a play. If you're new to these works, he will have you running to your nearest bookstore or library to discover what you've been missing. And if you've already encountered some of these books, you'll be eager to revisit them and explore what you may have missed on your first reading. PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio. Members Reviews: Thoroughly enjoyable! Professor Voth really loves literature of all descriptions. He's no snob for the classics. I have added several of the books mentioned (I should say analyzed in depth) here to my reading list; books I would never have normally sought out. For the books he included that I've already read, his critical insights have deepened my understanding of the works. I'm so grateful to have listened to this course! Like "this not that" for serious readers Want to be a serious reader, but don't have the time or energy to deal with all of the classics? This course gives a passionate and entertaining overview of alternatives to some of the hard-to-digest classics, and some great advice on getting more out of any reading. Maintains the high standard of these courses These are hugely enjoyable lectures that offer a different perspective of the canon and canon formation.

The Trial [Alpha DVD] Audiobook by Franz Kafka

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Franz Kafka) — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 05:02:32 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Trial [Alpha DVD] Author: Franz Kafka Narrator: Dick Hill Format: Unabridged Length: 8 hrs and 29 mins Language: English Release date: 07-22-10 Publisher: Alpha DVD Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 93 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: The Trial by Franz Kafka is one of the great novels of the 20h century. Josef K. is an ordinary man who is arrested on his 30th birthday. He is prosecuted by a remote, inaccessible authority, yet the nature of his crime is never revealed to him. One year after his arrest he is executed. His last words describe his own death: "Like a dog!" Members Reviews: Excellent reading of a classic book The narrator did an excellent job of adding to the already bizarre and disturbing story. If you like Kafka, you will like this translation and narration. Excellent match of text and performer--a steal The Trial may be the greatest book ever written about the ruthless, logical absurdity of a bureaucracy at its most extreme. If you've ever gotten the run-around at the DMV or your insurance company, you will find the story of Josef K uncomfortably familiar. Dick Hill has just the right voice--a little older, precise, particular--to deliver this text in its cold, comic perfection. Well done.

The Man in the Iron Mask Audiobook by Alexandre Dumas

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Alexandre Dumas) — Thu, 28 Apr 2016 01:24:53 GMT

The Eternal Husband Audiobook by Fyodor Dostoevsky

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Fyodor Dostoevsky) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:06:08 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Eternal Husband Author: Fyodor Dostoevsky Narrator: Jim Killavey Format: Unabridged Length: 5 hrs and 44 mins Language: English Release date: 07-15-08 Publisher: Jimcin Recordings Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 35 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: Told from the point of view of a rich and idle man who is confronted by a rival, the husband of his former, and now deceased, mistress, the story concerns the interchanging hatred and love of the two men. The book has both emotional power and an uncompromising insight into the human condition. Editorial Reviews: Jim Killavey delivers a dignified performance of The Eternal Husband a novella by revered Russian writer Fyodor Dostoevsky, author of Crime and Punishment and The Brothers Karamozov. The wealthy Alexei Ivanovich Velchaninov visits Saint Petersburg, where widower Pavel Pavlovich Trusotsky pays him a surprise visit. The men have a history: Trusotskys deceased wife, Natalia, had an affair with Velchaninov. Whether Trusotsky is aware of this - and that the daughter he has been raising is in actuality Velchaninovs child - is unclear. So begins a thrilling, complex tale about rivalry, love, and hate. Members Reviews: Excellent I've always wanted to read Dostoevsky but the size of his books was a little "off-putting." This was the perfect size for me and was a great psychological study. The reading was good but there was a slight "print-through" echo effect. However I stopped noticing that after a few minutes once the story had grabbed me. Five stars. The eternal question The first sections are riveting -- like a truely suspensful tale. the tedium in the middle grows aggravating -- the back and forth between the two male characters, the trickery and the vulnerability of each man. It went on for one chapter too long for my taste. I don't know why Dostoevsky added the "analysis" section and then the added chapter at the end. I have thought about it for the few days since I finished it and still can't figure out exactly what Mr. D. was trying to say ... it sort of escaped me. Good story for long drives, though. Great story. Well read. Although not one of his most famous works, this novel is a powerful tale and uses two of Dostoevsky's favorite themes - mental torture and neurosis. It is both captivating and revealing and explores love, guilt, and hatred. An incredible tale by a true master. The narrator is well suited to the story and does an excellent job. The Eternal Cuckold or Screwed by Love, or Husband, I barely cut you, or Show me your fair daughters, or Laying with your wife, or Some men are perpetually drowned by love, or Hypochondriacs make the best lovers. Not my favorite Dostoevsky, but definitely a novella that sticks to you, like a nightshirt after a fever. The big D is dealing with amazing themes: class, love, men, women. In someways it reminds me a bit of Beckett, but instead of Vladamir and Estragon, Dostoevsky gives us Velchaninov and Trusotsky -- and instead of God, there is Woman. See? OK. I'll use another approach. Velchaninov and Trusotsky are binary stars. They are locked together by a woman, a child, and a strange mutual gravity. Pavel Pavlovich (Trusotsky) is fascinated by Velchaninov, but at the same time repelled by him. Alexei Ivanovich (Velchaninov) can't seem to interact with Pavel Pavlovich without disrupting Pavel's relationships with women (past, present, or future). Then there are all the women. They would seem to be casualties of their society. Bound to be married by their fathers for money. Destined to be controlled by their husbands. Yeah, in theory. In practice, however, the women seem to be the only ones in control.

Four Arthurian Romances Audiobook by Chrétien de Troyes

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Chrétien de Troyes) — Mon, 11 Sep 2017 16:21:57 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Four Arthurian Romances Author: Chrétien de Troyes Narrator: Nicholas Boulton Format: Unabridged Length: 16 hrs and 48 mins Language: English Release date: 09-11-17 Publisher: Ukemi Audiobooks Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 5 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: The Arthurian Romances by Chrétien de Troyes form the wellspring of the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Stories of knightly valour in the Welsh Marches had existed before the 12th century, but it was the magnificent poetry and imagination of Chrétien, the 12th century French poet and trouvère, which brought alive the great characters of Arthur, his wife Guinevere, Lancelot and others. In fact, it was here, in these romances, that the tale of Lancelot of the Lake and his fated love for Guinevere first made its appearance in European literature. And far from being trapped in formal medieval stanzas, their passion has come down to us in words that still resonate: 'From the moment he caught sight of her, he did not turn or take his eyes and face from her.' From these four romances emerge a chivalric Arthurian vision as vivid and human as the more familiar telling by Sir Thomas Malory three centuries later. The three other stories are equally rich and compelling, painting images of knightly ethics, courageous deeds and above all love, honour and service. Chrétien's telling is the outstanding Arthurian literary source, bringing together as it does the British plot, the characters and the adventures with a French courtly sensitivity. Though less known than Lancelot and Guinevere, the story of the trials leading to the love between Eric and Enide is just as memorable; in Cligès, the young hero travels between Greece and Arthur's court in order to win his spurs and his love; and in Yvain, the knight is helped by a faithful lion to achieve his aim. These Four Arthurian Romances are read with full commitment by Nicholas Boulton using the translation by W. W. Comfort. Members Reviews: Ukemi Audio: Doing the Lords Work Long before the Internet made almost everything available to just about everyone, a friend of mine would say of certain publishing houses that they were doing the Lords work. He meant that, despite the cost of production and the inevitable loss in the marketplace, these houses persevered in turning out slim volumes of the lesser-known Elizabethan sonnet cycles and classic works of history eclipsed by more up-to-date scholarship. If he were still with us, hed probably say Ukemi was doing the Lords work for audiobooks. This edition of Chretien de Troyes is the third Ukemi release in my library, joining Boetheus Consolation of Philosophy and the amazing, anonymous Mabinogion. Like the first two titles, this one is superbly, vigorously, read. Like the first two, the translation is of a rather reverend vintage, well within the Public Domain. At first that made me wary; though no chronological snob (C. S. Lewis term for one dismissive of past ideas and ideals) I appreciate what modern scholarship can bring to the translation of ancient texts. But beyond a certain stiltedness in Boetheus, my fears have proved groundless. In the case of Chretien, Im grateful for this prose version. While I thoroughly enjoyed reading the deftly rhymed verse translations by Ruth Cline and Dorothy Gilbert, these fabulous stories, told in four-beat couplets crowded with details, would probably be harder to follow through ear buds. If you clicked on this book, chances are you already know these stories, so I wont dwell on their origins and influence.

Journey to the Center of the Earth Audiobook by Jules Verne

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Jules Verne) — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 09:60:30 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Journey to the Center of the Earth Author: Jules Verne Narrator: Jack Sondericker Format: Unabridged Length: 9 hrs and 55 mins Language: English Release date: 08-21-12 Publisher: Books in Motion Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 91 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: In Jules Verne's classic tale Professor Von Hardwigg and his nephew Harry discover the entrance to an ancient volcanic tunnel in Iceland. They choose to explore it for the mysteries it may hold, the Professor for scientific knowledge, and Harry to prove his bravery to a beautiful girl. It is a dangerous journey that may destroy them both. As they travel deep into the caverns they encounter a subterranean world that pre-existed man. It is an adventure as fascinating and strange as any explorer ever recorded. Finally, with their equipment lost and food running low they must face the consequences of a vital choice: attempt returning to the world above, or explore even deeper mysteries in hopes of rescue. Members Reviews: Annoying Page Sounds haunt this entire recording Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not? This is a classic book of which all can enjoy. How did the narrator detract from the book? The narrator's voices for the different characters are great, and his inflection and pace wonderful. The issue I have is the recording itself. The paper page sounds really detract from the story, and are throughout the entire recording. Great book, average narration What other book might you compare Journey to the Center of the Earth to and why? It is similar in style, subject, and plot to the Mysterious Island and the Lost World, likely because they are from the same time period. Any additional comments? The narrator gets a bit too dramatic sounding when there isn't really a reason to. It seems like he wanted to make the science references less dry, but it sounded out place to me. Otherwise, I liked his narration. Wonderful book, fantastic narrator This classic was really brought to life with passion by the narrator. You do have to bear in mind that about 5 hours alone are taken up in just the journeying, but it's nevertheless a great adventure. Classic Is Not A Synonym For Excellence Overall I give it 3-stars. Narration gets 5-stars, and story gets 2.5 stars. Boring, uneventful, no intrigue or excitement. Though the author went into great detail in the story I did not find anything in it worth the irreplaceable time I have spent on the book. Save for the narration, I found it uninteresting and would have been better off not having read it at all. An Introduction to Audio Books What a wonderful journey! I flew through this book. Not only was Verne's story engaging and exciting, Jack Sondericker's reading was immensely enjoyable--entertaining, full of vigor, unique voices for each character. This was a fantastic introduction to the world of audio books.

The Modern Scholar Audiobook by Timothy Shutt

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Timothy Shutt) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 08:00:31 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Modern Scholar Subtitle: Masterpieces of Medieval Literature Author: Timothy Shutt Narrator: Timothy Shutt Format: Unabridged Length: 8 hrs and 19 mins Language: English Release date: 09-24-09 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 44 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: Beyond that, the Middle Ages saw the composition of some of the greatest and most rewarding literary works ever written, the works of Chaucer and Dante no doubt preeminent among them, but by no means are they alone in their surpassing merits. In this course, we will look at some of those other splendid works - Beowulf, the little-known, but utterly splendid Njal's Saga, and Sir Gawain the Green Knight among them. Members Reviews: The Kind of Professor I Want My Kids to Have First, there is Professor Shutt's infectious enthusiasm for the works he's discussing and even more for the insights that can be derived from those works. Then there's his openness to cultural concepts (Beowulf's heroic manliness, for example, or the piety of the Dream of the Rood) that aren't that popular in the academy these days. He never resorts to cheap shots at the faith or ideals of the Middle Ages, never lapses into that "chronological snobbery" (C. S. Lewis' term) that assumes everyone and everything that came before us is somehow inherently less worthwhile. Instead, he takes you on an amazing journey through many of the high spots of Medieval Literature, one that will either send you back to reread Gawain and the Green Knight and the Lais of Marie de France or send you forward to finally read those Icelandic Sagas and Troubadour lyrics you somehow managed to dodge in your undergrad days. Unlike most of the lectures I've heard in my life, these bear re-listening. Shutt is that rare type of professor who isn't afraid to admire what others marginalize, nor is he embarrassed by the concept of "truth". a great listen I loved listening to this professor. He is easy on the mind. Especially since he pronounces for us many of the difficult words of non english. so much I did not know came home to me.. Learn the past to know the future Loved it, looking forward to reading a few of the author's mentioned in it, one or two chapters I have listened to again, and no doubt will do over and over.

Sarrasine Livre Audio par Honoré de Balzac

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Honoré de Balzac) — Tue, 31 May 2016 13:26:33 GMT

Écoutez ce livre audio dans son intégralité gratuitement sur https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> Titre: Sarrasine Auteur: Honoré de Balzac Narrateur: Anne-Sophie Robin Format: Unabridged Durée: 1 hr and 41 mins Langue: Français Date de publication: 05-31-16 Éditeur: Compagnie du Savoir Genres: Classics, European Literature Résumé de l'éditeur: Deux récits enchâssés, au croisement du réalisme et du fantastique ; une nouvelle presque oubliée, que sa redécouverte classa parmi les plus grands textes de la littérature ; un jeu complexe d'imbrications entre sculpture, musique et littérature : Sarrasine est un des textes les plus séduisants de Balzac. Une jeune femme ne peut s'empêcher de remarquer le vieillard décharné, pareil à un spectre, qui hante un coin d'une brillante soirée parisienne. Elle s'en ouvre au narrateur, et le supplie de lever pour elle le mystère de cet inconnu ; s'ouvre alors un conte passionnel, où l'érotisme le dispute à la souffrance, les sentiments à la création artistique, et dont le mystère finit par se résoudre en macabre dans un chef d'œuvre voluptueux, intégré sur le tard à sa Comédie humaine. © Compagnie du Savoir (P)2016 Compagnie du Savoir

Balzac, The Girl with the Golden Eyes Audiobook by Emily Allen

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Emily Allen) — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 18:51:21 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Balzac, The Girl with the Golden Eyes Author: Emily Allen Narrator: Emily Allen Format: Unabridged Length: 31 mins Language: English Release date: 06-15-12 Publisher: The Great Courses Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: A merciless critique of the Parisian upper crust in the mid-18th century, The Girl with the Golden Eyes is Balzac at his finest. After gaining background on the authors style and subject matter, delve into reasons this particular work - more than any of his others - makes for a masterful days read. ©2012 The Great Courses (P)2012 The Great Courses

A Modest Proposal Audiobook by Jonathan Swift

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Jonathan Swift) — Tue, 25 Feb 2014 23:39:34 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/691/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: A Modest Proposal Author: Jonathan Swift Narrator: David Stifel Format: Unabridged Length: 23 mins Language: English Release date: 02-25-14 Publisher: Spoken Realms Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 42 votes Genres: Classics, European Literature Publisher's Summary: Wickedly narrated by David Stifel, and written in 1729, this satiric essay on how to solve Ireland's chronic poverty is perhaps more shocking today than when it was written. In the 1960s, when Peter O'Toole did a public reading of this piece in Dublin, he very nearly started a riot. Newspapers the following day lambasted O'Toole's "shocking bad taste." Whether shocking satire, or Monty-Pythonesque surrealism, this essay has continually managed to offend people for well over 3 centuries. Enjoy! (and Thank You!) Members Reviews: Mankind crazy thoughts of years ago Thank goodness we do advance with thoughts and medical knowledge! Great story and loved it because a friend does the narrating on this one! AUDIBLE 20 REVIEW SWEEPSTAKES ENTRY Audible sold an audio version that isn't accessibl What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you? So if the audio isn't available, then why sell it to me? Waste of money and effort.