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Robinson Crusoe

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Robinson Crusoe

By: Daniel Defoe
Narrated by: Simon Vance
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About this listen

 Widely regarded as the first English novel, Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe is one of the most popular and influential adventure stories of all time.

This classic tale of shipwreck and survival on an uninhabited island was an instant success when first published in 1719, and it has inspired countless imitations.

In his own words, Robinson Crusoe tells of the terrible storm that drowned all his shipmates and left him marooned on a deserted island. Forced to overcome despair, doubt, and self-pity, he struggles to create a life for himself in the wilderness. From practically nothing, Crusoe painstakingly learns how to make pottery, grow crops, domesticate livestock, and build a house. His many adventures are recounted in vivid detail, including a fierce battle with cannibals and his rescue of Friday, the man who becomes his trusted companion.

Full of enchanting detail and daring heroics, Robinson Crusoe is a celebration of courage, patience, ingenuity, and hard work.

Public Domain (P)2008 Tantor Action & Adventure Classics Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Sea Adventures Adventure Island Funny Feel-Good

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All stars
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Found the first half turgid - an exasperating main character, and every day a rather dreary log of what his actions were. Chapter 15 however encompasses a moving & rather touchingly written account of regret, repentance & perceived redemption of value to anyone not simply those of faith: the moral being to be grateful for what we have. The latter chapters are far more paced & rattle along through adventures. But beware this IS a work of its time and prejudices.

An historic novel with naturally dated attitudes

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Great to hear Crusoe, from York, presented in a well-judged and suitably expressive Yorkshire accent. A great listen.

Finely judged reading

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I enjoyed listening to this book, but think I benefitted from listening first. I think reading through the book may have been harder work. Most is monologe (of course, if deserted by oneself on an island) and occasionally dragged. However if you have already read and love the book, you will not be disappointed with this audio version. The narration is very good. I was surprised by some phrases and idealogies, but then it was written a very long time ago, when the status of women, black people, and 'savages' was considerably different, and considered acceptable and normal.

Very good

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Classic story, everyone knows the basics from abridged versions but there’s a lot more to it. Very much if it’s time (1700s) in places, and the philosophical and religious musings might be relevant but do derail the narrative a bit. Freebie so can’t complain.

Great classic story

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I loved this book...and Simon Vance's narration is nigh on perfection.. highly recommended... buy it

Superb

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I really enjoyed this 300 year old novel. Classic adventure beautifully told. Cannot imagine anyone surviving like this today.

A true Classic

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This book was interesting from a historical context and also a good story. The book was published on April 25, 1719. Its full title was "The Life and strange Surprizing Adventures of Robinson Crusoe of York, Mariner: Who lived Eight and Twenty Years, all alone in an un-inhabited Island on the coast of America, near the Mouth of the Great River of Oroonoque; Having been cast on Shore by Shipwreck, where-in all the Men perished but himself. With An Account how he was at last as strangely deliver'd by Pyrates. Written by Himself". Great title for charades.

Novelist James Joyce noted that the true symbol of the British conquest is Robinson Crusoe: "He is the true prototype of the British colonist. ? The whole Anglo-Saxon spirit is in Crusoe: the manly independence, the unconscious cruelty, the persistence, the slow yet efficient intelligence, the sexual apathy, the calculating taciturnity." I found the book interesting for the different values and conflicting morals held by RC and the normality with which these values were accepted in that day. Historically informative.

A well-read book that keeps the listener interested.

Historically interesting, Good story.

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The narration felt natural on this one once the story got rolling. I appreciated the slightly northern accent in context of Crusoe hailing from Yorkshire.

This is a relatively easy classic to digest...except for the nonchalant slave trade ventures and condescension towards all non-whites. Still, those reveal as much about the author's time than they do about Defoe.

Another Classic

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Really good story.
I assume one of my favourite books to listen to, The Martian, is based on this concept.

The attitude of the castaway is always what prevails.

There were a few aspects which I found all too convenient. But nevertheless, really enjoyed the story and would recommend.

I would recommend to anyone who enjoyed The Martian and for anyone who likes a diary-esq book.

I would also recommend this book as a break between a long series (in my case A song of fire and ice series) as it's easy to follow and will relax your brain as there isn't many characters.

Loved it

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Is there anything you would change about this book?

It needs editing. I actually like all the detail about how he survives on the island. It's the latter sections of the book that are the problem. There's a clear natural finishing point for the story but Defoe kept on writing beyond it.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

It's like the final Lord Of The Rings movie, it just didn't know when to end.

Have you listened to any of Simon Vance’s other performances? How does this one compare?

No but I will listen to more. Very very good.

Could you see Robinson Crusoe being made into a movie or a TV series? Who would the stars be?

Well I think it's already been done, but Desmond from Lost would be my choice.

Good, but not great

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