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    Phoebe Rockville, MD, United States 02-09-11
    Phoebe Rockville, MD, United States 02-09-11
    HELPFUL VOTES
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    "Lovely!"

    I'm a high school senior and we're about to read Heart of Darkness in a few weeks, so I figured I'd download this to help me out a bit. It's been an interesting listen. I thought it was pretty humorous that Kenneth Branagh is narrating, as we recently saw him perform in Hamlet after reading the play a few months ago (he was excellent) and he's also the narrator for the documentaries we're watching in History class. What a coincidence! His voice is lovely, enticing almost, so I'm glad that he narrated this. Now, I'll be just about fully acquainted with Kenneth Branagh's voice.

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    5 of 6 people found this review helpful
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    p bellvue, CO, United States 02-06-11
    p bellvue, CO, United States 02-06-11 Member Since 2010

    A Traveling Listener

    HELPFUL VOTES
    7
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    "Love, Love, Love Branagh"

    I'd read Heart of Darkness prior to listening to Kenneth Branagh read - what a wonderful experience - listening to him! His concise enunciation and style are perfect to the book.

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    5 of 6 people found this review helpful
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    mark blackburn VIC, Australia 01-09-11
    mark blackburn VIC, Australia 01-09-11 Member Since 2010
    HELPFUL VOTES
    7
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    "Absolute joy"

    Kenneth Branagh must have been born to read this book. He is mesmerizing. Don't wait, get this!

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    7 of 9 people found this review helpful
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    Clayton Niwot, United States Minor Outlying Islands 05-17-13
    Clayton Niwot, United States Minor Outlying Islands 05-17-13 Member Since 2010
    HELPFUL VOTES
    4
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    "One of English lit's finest works, finely rendered"

    I hadn't revisited "Heart of Darkness" for decades until I listened to this audiobook. My impressions are simple and intense.

    Regardless of the post-colonial critique of Conrad - he was, I believe, remarkably understanding of the wrongs of colonialism for a man of his time - the writing and the psychological depth of the novella are nearly unsurpassed in 19th- and 20th-century English language literature.

    In addition, Kenneth Branagh demonstrates here the difference between merely passable or even good dramatic reading, and true craftsmanship. I can't imagine how the publisher lured such an amazing acting talent into doing the narration of a book in the public domain, but Branagh's rendition is the finest of any audiobook I've ever listened to.

    I'm deeply impressed with both Conrad and Branagh.

    Thank you, Audible.

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    1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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    Carol Oak Ridge, NJ, United States 04-26-13
    Carol Oak Ridge, NJ, United States 04-26-13 Member Since 2010
    HELPFUL VOTES
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    "Excellent Rendition"

    Very, very good. It's better read aloud than read in a book, I think, at least by Kenneth Branaugh. It aided my understanding and retention.

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    1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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    Lori Lindstrom, MN, United States 05-24-12
    Lori Lindstrom, MN, United States 05-24-12 Member Since 2006

    Avid reader and high school English teacher. Kindle, book, audio - if they could implant books directly into my brain, I'd probably sign up.

    HELPFUL VOTES
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    "Conrad rewritten"
    Would you consider the audio edition of Heart of Darkness: A Signature Performance by Kenneth Branagh to be better than the print version?

    Unfortunately, I was unable to fully enjoy Kenneth Branagh's performance because of the changes to Conrad's text. It is beautifully read, but I can't use it for class.


    Any additional comments?

    As a high school English teacher, using audiobooks sometimes makes my life easier. I use them to "reread" for class and sometimes in class to help students' comprehension. This version changes certain words and phrases to a more politically correct alternative. When one is trying to teach historical context and purpose along with the story, this is disappointing. While those unfamiliar with the text may not notice the substitutions, I found it quite glaring. As an introduction to the novel for students, I'll go back to the other audio version that I have and use that.

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    1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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    Diane Iron Station, NC, United States 08-03-11
    Diane Iron Station, NC, United States 08-03-11
    HELPFUL VOTES
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    "Great Story and Narrator"

    The narrator is excellent, of course, and that's why I purchased it. The story is good. Gets slow sometimes but very interesting and well written if a little subtle.

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    1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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    Stuart New York, NY, United States 07-28-11
    Stuart New York, NY, United States 07-28-11 Listener Since 2004

    Sailor52

    HELPFUL VOTES
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    "One of the best"

    I've been buying books from Audible for about 7 years now, and this performance is arguably the best. I put it along side Jeremy Irons reading of Lolita, as one of the seminal performances of an artist, for this medium.

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    1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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    wii-zer sc 05-11-13
    wii-zer sc 05-11-13 Member Since 2009
    HELPFUL VOTES
    31
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    417
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    "Spellbinding narration of a great story"
    Would you consider the audio edition of Heart of Darkness: A Signature Performance by Kenneth Branagh to be better than the print version?

    Yes. The narration is maybe the best I have ever heard, and I have nearly 1000 audiobooks in my collection. He brought the darkness and despair out and gave it life through his reading. This was an Oscar worthy performance of an audiobook.


    What did you like best about this story?

    Branaugh had a wonderful work to begin with but his ability to bring it to life was a pure rare delight. I hung on his narration and felt the lonely dark despair of the characters


    What does Kenneth Branagh bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

    Life, fear, disenchantment and expectation of his next word. It gave the book vivid emotion.


    Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

    No spoilers so ...Marlowe's emotional voyage at the near end.


    Any additional comments?

    This is one of the truest examples of the wonders an audiobook can be when a great book meets an unsurpassed narrator.

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    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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    Rachel McCammon Long Island City, NY United States 05-10-13
    Rachel McCammon Long Island City, NY United States 05-10-13 Member Since 2013
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    "don't understand the fuss"
    This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

    Not sure..???...


    What was most disappointing about Joseph Conrad’s story?

    I don't as I didn't get far.


    What about Kenneth Branagh’s performance did you like?

    Narrator not bad, story just ruined it.


    What character would you cut from Heart of Darkness: A Signature Performance by Kenneth Branagh?

    ?


    Any additional comments?

    20 minutes doesn't allow a valid review.

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    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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