Get New Releases Audiobooks in Classics, European Literature

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Title: The Three Musketeers (Dramatized)

Author: Alexandre Dumas

Narrator: full cast

Format: Highlights

Length: 2 hrs and 17 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-03-00

Publisher: Monterey SoundWorks

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 20 votes

Genres: Classics, European Literature

Publisher's Summary:

This exciting full-cast presentation is like nothing you've ever heard before!

Critic Reviews:

"With swelling musical background and the clash of swordplay, the St. Charles Players bring back the feeling of radio theatre in their rendition of the classic tale by Alexandre Dumas." (School Library Journal)

Members Reviews:

Dramatic ?!?!?

I knew this was a dramatic reading when I got it but,.. nowhere did it say it was a 'bad' dramatic reading.

Not very well done, not exciting. Glad I got it out of thr bargain bin.

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Title: A Journey to the Center of the Earth

Author: Jules Verne

Narrator: Norman Dietz

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 14 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-16-99

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 164 votes

Genres: Classics, European Literature

Publisher's Summary:

When geologist Otto Lidenbrock discovers an ancient manuscript describing a passageway to the center of the Earth, he prepares a subterranean expedition, and descends into an extinct volcano in Iceland. The explorers discover an amazing underground world, but will they ever return? Journey with these intrepid travelers as they dare to descend into a mysterious unknown world deep within the earth.

Editorial Reviews:

Norman Dietz sounds as if hes having as much fun performing this novel as listeners will have hearing it. As the storys first-person narrator, Axel, Dietz sounds appropriately incredulous as he tells the tale of his uncle, Professor Otto Lidenbrock. Dietz portrays Lidenbrock as an impatient, crazed man, incapable of focusing on more than one thing at a time. Lidenbrock is obsessed with an original runic manuscript that claims to reveal a passage to the center of the Earth. From chambers of combustible gases and a battle between prehistoric creatures to giant insects and a herd of mastodons, Dietz delivers a thrilling journey down into the depths of Jules Vernes imagination.

Critic Reviews:

"Its marvels still inspire feelings of awe and wonder. A Journey to the Center of the Earth will always have readers willing to follow." (The Washington Post)

Members Reviews:

It is HARD to grade Verne

It is hard to grade Verne. The debacle that is the early English translations is well-documented and well-reported: names were changed, plots altered, sections cut. I mean come on, you are translating from French, not Mongolian. Learn the freaking metric system. Even some of the more precise translations don't seem to work well. Anyway, not being fluent in French I have no way to totally discriminate, all I know is several different translations disappointed me on multiple levels.

This version is based on the 1871 translation published by Griffith and Farran. It is an abridged and altered translation. The professor's name has been changed from Lidenbrock to Hardwigg; Axel's name changed to Harry; Grauben's name was changed to Gretchen. There have been chapters left out, parts of other chapters have been changed, parts have been added to other chapters.

That being said, you've got to hand it to Verne. He was climbing without a rope. So, again, back to how hard it is to grade Verne. How do you discount for the fact that he was a pioneer of scientific romances? I'm glad I read it, but will avoid the crappy translations in the future.

Norman Dietz does a good job at narration. His voice doesn't grate and he subtly works his way through Verne's scientific adventure novel.

A true classic

I have read this book more than once it is a true classic that is ahead of its time good clean reading

Beautiful Narration.

The narrator does a magnificent job of bringing to life my favorite Jules Verne novel. The narration is clear and expertly delivered. I have listened to this audiobook many times, as it has a way of launching me clear of the daily cares into the utterly fantastic such as only Verne can deliver.

wonderful journey.

Great book. Opens the mind and imagination. Story teller has a great voice. I recommend this book.

I science fiction novelty, not worth reading.

If this book's a classic, it's only for its novel thinking of the time

and not for any literary merit.

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Title: Madame Bovary

Author: Gustave Flaubert

Narrator: Davina Porter

Format: Unabridged

Length: 13 hrs and 5 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-07-99

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 98 votes

Genres: Classics, European Literature

Publisher's Summary:

Emma Bovary is not content to be the mere dutiful wife of a French country doctor. She yearns for excitement and a sense of romance that pulls at her so strongly she is powerless to resist, even though pursuing her dreams will exact a terrible price. Learn why Gustave Flaubert's compelling heroine has enchanted and puzzled readers for centuries.

Critic Reviews:

"If one were to ask, 'World, which is the most perfect novel ever written?,' the world would immediately answer: Madame Bovary." (Washington Post's Book World)

Members Reviews:

Good narrator, terrible recording

The story is tried-and-true, filled with lust, greed, bad choices, and decay. Davina Porter is a wonderful narrator, and does well with the French language. However, this sounds like someone converted an ancient 8-track to digital, complete with squeaks, dragging, hisses, etc. At some points it was unlistenable. This classic deserves a fresh, new update!

great story, bad recording

Madame Bovary is a great story and Davina is a fantastic reader (she's great in Anna Karinina),but unfortunately they are both lost to poor sound quality. The audio is so muffled it takes a lot of effort to understand even a few words. Until a better recording is available, best stick with the book (a good translation is available on Barnes & Noble or Bantam Classics, but avoid Penguin Classics on this title; it's not very good).

Now Here's a Story

Divina Porter gave so much life to Madame Bovary, and of course with no small contribution by its author, the book has a permanent position in my mental book shelf. Hours and hours of listening feeling like I was watching Emma coming apart and taking down the entire cast with her. So well written, you love and pity Emma, feel sorry for Charles and loathe the symbolic money lender for giving her the ability to do it all.

At the end all the tragic, tortured revelations, one glaring irony has a woman coming to collect a debt for Emma's lessons (lessons never taken but used as a cover up to her husband). The 'teacher' approaches poor Emma's suffering husband for a year of "lessons" not taken.

Ah the turn of the screw, the turn of the phrase. On the surface you can read a tale of a "Scarlet O'Hara" in reverse, a woman with everything who longs for a perfect love in a perfect and handsome man. She has all the "things" she needs, but belives she is without love. Her doting husband loves and trusts her, too simple a man to suspect her betrayals. In the end he drinks with one of her lovers proclaiming no bad feelings toward the man. Until the end, his love for her, the very love she sought in every wrong situation, honored her and maintained his belief in her perfection, even as her old love letters fell from his hands. The effect of her never finding what she wants costs him all that his small medical practice provided. (There's no place like home. She had the slippers on all the time!)

The side stories and political, religious and social commentary retell the trysts and errors that Emma commits on her road to ruin. The author uses Emma as the symbol of excess and the outcome as predictions of the future. Emma stands for the cost of immoral actions. Whether God or the taxman, someone gets paid. A compendium of archetypal characters we know and love, dressed in 3D emotion, vivid characterization; speaking words precise and poetic.

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Title: The Red and the Black

Author: Stendhal

Narrator: Davina Porter

Format: Unabridged

Length: 20 hrs and 8 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-03-99

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 153 votes

Genres: Classics, European Literature

Publisher's Summary:

Madame de Renal, a wealthy heiress who married the mayor of Verrieres, suddenly finds herself in love with handsome young Julien Sorel, her children's penniless but ambitious new tutor. After a lifetime of complying with all the social rules of French high society, the unassuming Madame de Renal has always regarded true love as the height of immorality, or the subject of fanciful novels. But after meeting the mysteriously charming Julien, both of their lives are transformed in unimaginable ways. Praised for its unflinching look at the hypocrisy of romantic conquests, Stendhal's The Red and the Black remains one of the 19th century's most affecting and passionate novels, and a major influence on modern fiction.

(P)1988 by Recorded Books, Inc.

Critic Reviews:

"Of all the instruments that have ever been used for sketching or writing, Stendhal's traces the most delicate line." (Andre Gide)

Members Reviews:

Thanks, Audible.com!

When I first purchased this book, I did not realize how poor I would find the sound quality...see my previous review.

However, now Audible.com has found a recording with the highest possible sound rating...a "4".

This is a vast improvement!

The Red and the Black is a true 19th. Century classic. I think you will find your time rewarded.

Almost perfect

In one sense, there's no denying this book is a masterpiece. It seems as though Stendhal set out to dazzle the reader with his incredible understanding of human nature, and that he did. However, looking back at the audiobook after a few weeks have passed, I find it difficult to remember the actual plot. So in that sense, I feel as though the novel could have been a better novel. Nevertheless, I would certainly recommend it for the sheer psychological depth. And, as audiobooks go, the narration on this one is top-notch.

As for the complaints about audio quality in some of the earlier comments: this has apparently been fixed, and the quality is perfectly acceptable.

I wish it was better...

I really wanted to listen to this book, but the audio quality was prohibitive...

I hope that audible will find a better recording at some point, as this is great book.

Perfectly Charming Rendition

My download sounded just dandy. Davina Porter reads well, and her charming accent lends a delightful touch to this rendition of "The Red and the Black."

Of all the books I read in college, this is the most memorable. Although many of the reviews I read here are unflattering, do not be deceived. If you enjoy wit, intrigue, and have a taste for period pieces, you will not be disappointed.

Better listen up

The audio quality is so poor that you cannot unterstand this audio book. it's a shame as I have always loved it and would love to hear it. Do not bother to download unless they redo it.

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Titre: Nana (Rougon-Macquart 9)

Auteur: Émile Zola

Narrateur: Victor Vestia

Format: Unabridged

Durée: 16 hrs and 39 mins

Langue: Français

Date de publication: 07-31-15

Éditeur: SonoBook

Evaluation: 4.5 sur 5 sur 6 votes

Genres: Classics, European Literature

Résumé de l'éditeur:

Dans ce roman, on découvre une société dominée par le plaisir et l'argent, le milieu du théâtre parisien au 19ème siècle et de la prostitution, celui de l'aristocratie et de la grande bourgeoisie.

À travers le personnage de Nana, jolie fille du ruisseau, prostituée et comédienne sans talent devenue célèbre courtisane, Zola décrit la déchéance d'une femme, et celle de la bonne société qui lui apporte ses amants, mais aussi la fin du Second Empire, qui se rue avec insouciance vers la guerre et la débâcle.

Zola brûlait d'écrire Nana. "Je crois que ce sera bien raide. Je veux tout dire, et il y a des choses bien grosses. Vous serez content de la façon paternelle et bourgeoise dont je vais peindre les bonnes filles de joie." En fait de joie, l'actrice, Nana, dévore les hommes, croque les héritages et plonge les familles dans le désespoir. Belle et prodigue, elle mène une danse diabolique dans le Paris des lettres, de la finance et du plaisir. En se détruisant elle-même, elle donne le coup de grâce à une société condamnée, détestée par Zola. La fascinante description des mœurs d'une époque.

© Domaine public (P)2015 Sonobook

Revues par les critiques:

Ils en ont dit...

"Quel bouquin ! C'est raide et le bon Zola est un homme de génie !!"

Gustave Flaubert

Avis des membres:

Des goûts et des couleurs

J'ai malheureusement demandé à être remboursée pour ce livre, car le narrateur ne me convenait pas. En effet, je trouve la narration trop plate et sans émotions, sans vie. Pour comparaison dans mes goûts, j'ai bien aimé le narrateur du livre Le Parfum. Il s'agit bien sûr d'un avis très personnel. L'histoire et l'écriture ne m'ont également pas trop intéressée, ce qui ne m'a pas aidée. En effet, j'écoute actuellement un ouvrage où je ne suis pas entièrement satisfaite de la narratrice, mais le livre en lui-même me plaît relativement bien donc j'ai pu adapter mon oreille.

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Título: La vida de Lazarillo de Tormes, y de sus fortunas y adversidades [The Life of Lazarillo de Tormes and of His Fortunes and Adversities]

Autor: Escucha Libros S.L.N.E.

Narrador: Victoria Mesas, Jose Larru

Formato: Unabridged

Duración: 1 hr and 59 mins

Idioma: Español

Fecha de publicación: 06-12-13

Editor: Escucha Libros S.L.N.E.

Calificaciones: 4.5 de 5 de 11 votos

Categorías: Classics, European Literature

Resumen del editor:

Esta obra es una de las más importantes muestras de novela picaresca española. Lázaro, el protagonista de la historia, narra las aventuras y desventuras que vive al servicio de diferentes amos. El hambre y la miseria en la que vive con estos amos hace que Lázaro tenga que recurrir a pícaras artimañas para poder sobrevivir. Estas divertidas anécdotas están plagadas de irónicas reflexiones sobre la vida del siglo XVI en España.

This work is one of the most important examples of Spanish picaresque novel. Lazarus, the protagonist of the story, tells the adventures he lives serving different masters. Hunger and misery in which he lives with these masters makes Lazarus have to use naughty tricks to survive. These amusing stories are full with ironic reflections about life during the 16th century in Spain.

Please note: This audiobook is in Spanish.

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Titel: Das Fräulein von Scuderi

Autor:: E. T. A. Hoffmann

Erzähler: Brigitte Trübenbach

Format: Unabridged

Spieldauer: 3 hrs and 16 mins

Sprache: Deutsch

Veröffentlichungsdatum: 08-09-13

Herausgeber: BUCHFUNK

Kategorien: Classics, European Literature

Zusammenfassung des Herausgebers:

Paris 1680. Eine rätselhafte Mordserie hält die Metropole in Atem. Die Opfer sind allesamt adlige Männer, die mit einem Schmuckgeschenk auf dem Weg zu ihrer Geliebten sind - und immer wird dieses Schmuckstück gestohlen. Das 73-jährige Fräulein Scuderi, angesehene Dichterin am Hof König Ludwigs XIV, gerät in den Strudel dieser Verbrechen und findet sich bald in der Rolle der Ermittlerin wieder.

©1986 Reclam (P)2013 BUCHFUNK Verlag

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Título: El Fantasma de la Ópera [The Phantom of the Opera]

Autor: Gastón Leroux

Narrador: Javier Carbone, Consuelo Pinto, Leonel Arias, Miguel Duran, Sebastian Crespin, Jorge Mansilla, Adrian Flores

Formato: Abridged

Duración: 1 hr and 55 mins

Idioma: Español

Fecha de publicación: 03-27-13

Editor: Audiolibros Colección

Calificaciones: 4 de 5 de 2 votos

Categorías: Classics, European Literature

Resumen del editor:

En esta obra Maquiavelo enumera las condiciones que han de caracterizar a un príncipe, entendida esta figura como la cabeza o jefe del Estado. Podemos decir que es un libro práctico, pues pretende dar normas de acción. Intentó el autor teorizar sobre la naturaleza del Estado, sobre la sociedad en que se sustenta y sobre todo en las formas de adquirir y perder el poder y las formas de mantenerse en él.

Please note: This audiobook is in Spanish.

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Titre: Les liaisons dangereuses

Auteur: Pierre Choderlos de Laclos

Narrateur: Karin Viard, Thibault de Montalembert

Format: Abridged

Durée: 8 hrs and 46 mins

Langue: Français

Date de publication: 06-01-15

Éditeur: Gallimard

Evaluation: 4 sur 5 sur 4 votes

Genres: Classics, European Literature

Résumé de l'éditeur:

Roman épistolaire, roman de mœurs, roman d'analyse des comportements amoureux, Les liaisons dangereuses est l'œuvre de la pluralité. Les passions s'y déchaînent, laissant peu de place à l'amour, relayé par la vanité, le calcul et le brûlant désir. La conquête amoureuse est vécue comme une guerre qui déploie une stratégie et une tactique sans merci. Cette guerre, c'est la marquise de Merteuil et le vicomte de Valmont qui la mènent, tout entiers voués au culte de la gloire et de la victoire amoureuse, choisissant pour victimes de leur perversité les plus purs et les plus innocents.

©1972 Éditions Gallimard (P)2014 Éditions Gallimard

Avis des membres:

I love that this book is what the movie "Cruel Intentions" ...

I love that this book is what the movie "Cruel Intentions" is based on, and it still seems scandalous even though it was written in the 1700's! My only complaint is that I feel it is a little too long with small print for me to have enough patience to read the whole book.

Wonderful.

I saw this play in March 2015. If another local theater does it, I am so auditioning for it.

Best book of all time, but print is too small

This is my favorite novel of all time. I'm French, and an author. During a move last year, my original copy was lost. To find this one seemed a godsend.

The only problem is that the print is minuscule. It is so tiny that I have to use a magnifying glass to decipher it.

What's there is ok, BUT...

"Acting addition" means that several scenes have been cut. I don't recommend this version.

Laclos' Libertine Lust

Dangerous Liaisons (1782) is an epistolary novel, the print candy of the voyeur with the slightest degree of imagination. Laclos has penned letters that weave an intricate toile of lives, loves and hates set in French estates, countrysides and city scapes. Letters between the two leads, a lechorous libertine male (gentelman is unwarrented in his case) and a Grand Dame of French society (on the surface, manipulative witch is far more accurate) for the crux of the story. They spend their time manipulating those around them, creating love affairs, while having strings of assignations with the (guilty and trouble) puppets. During the course of manipulations an increasing antipathy forms between the two main characters. The manipulated are portrayed in the conspirator's letters as insipid, stupid near sock puppets - yet in their own letters they are a moral balance to leading couple. If you are looking for a guide to manipulation, an etiquette book for the erotic libertine lifestyle, or a well crafted `hate' `love' story, then Laclos' Dangerous Liasions (1782), is an excellent choice.

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Title: Lykke-Per

Author: Henrik Pontoppidan

Narrator: Dan Schlosser

Format: Unabridged

Length: 26 hrs and 13 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-27-12

Publisher: Viatone

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 3 votes

Genres: Classics, European Literature

Publisher's Summary:

Nobelpristageren Henrik Pontoppidans bermte udviklingsroman om prstesnnen Per Sidenius, der gr oprr mod det traditionsbundne og livsforsagende, religise milj, han vokser op i. Han kapper familiebndene og drager til Kbenhavn og kaster sig over det naturvidenskabelige studium for at realisere sine store projekter og drmme. Per tror p sig selv og fr via sin forlovelse med Jacobe indpas i indflydelsesrige kredse med mulighed for at realisere de store ambitioner. Men s melder fortiden sig, og Per kastes ud i en eksistentiel krise.

Pontoppidans sprog er bde smukt og bramfrit, den grumme humor sprudler, og ironien tser. Den eksistentielle sgen efter mening er stadig lige aktuel. Hans psykologiske personskildringer er nuancerede og fascinerende. Samtidig fr vi et fremragende tidsbillede af Danmark i slutningen af 1800-tallet.

Please note: This audiobook is in Danish.

Critic Reviews:

"At intet er sort eller hvidt, men findes i utallige nuancer. Bogen er s fremragende, at jeg vil tro, at enhver, der bliver grebet af den, vil kunne se noget i den, fordi den er s menneskelig." (Ida Jessen)