The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald & The Goblin and the Grocer by Hans Christian Andersen (Annotated)

By: George MacDonald, Hans Christian Andersen

Narrated by: Alison Larkin

"I do not write for children, but for the childlike, whether of five or 50 or 75." - George MacDonald

The Princess and the Goblin was published in 1872. One of the very first fantasy novels this magical classic had a profound influence on the work of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien and is loved by fans of fantasy fiction to this day. Eight-year-old Princess Irene lives in a remote mountainous region with no one but her nursemaid for company. Then she meets a mysterious old woman and Curdie, a young miner. Meanwhile, deep in the heart of the earth beneath her lurk grotesque and hideous creatures seeking vengeance against human kind.

The Goblin and the Grocer by Hans Christian Andersen is a short fairy tale about a very different kind of goblin who must choose between poetry or an edible Christmas treat.

Both stories are read by award-winning audiobook narrator, comedienne, and best-selling author of The English American, Alison Larkin. Other children's classic tales read by Alison Larkin include Peter Pan and The Inconsiderate Waiter by J M Barrie and Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass - the 150th anniversary audio edition by Lewis Carroll.

©2016 British Classic Audio (P)2016 British Classic Audio

Find and Follow the thread

Great analogy to our finding spiritual guidance in a world where materialism reigns supreme in the thinking of so many people.

Well Read and Similar to Narnia

Great voices, inflection and deep, entertaining story. Obviously not a cold read for Alison Larkin.

Simply magical!

First off, I have never heard of these two fairy tales until now, and I must say that they are charming and not meant solely for children. These stories were written in the late 1800’s, and if you do pick up this audiobook (and you should) do expect the long and flowery language of that era. However, this book is not difficult to understand and follow along to. I particularly enjoyed the second tale but Hans Christian Andersen, but both tales are truly a pleasure to listen to because of Alison Larkin’s performance. It’s like she was meant to read fairy tales! This audiobook is a delightful addition to anyone’s collection, young or old.

I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.

A WONDERFUL audiobook!

If you could sum up The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald & The Goblin and the Grocer by Hans Christian Andersen (Annotated) in three words, what would they be?

Enchanting, Memorable, Entertaining

What did you like best about this story?

The fact that the Goblins aren't caricatures but feel real as does the Princess and Curdie! Even today!

Which scene was your favorite?

It's hard to say which was my favorite scene because they are all so good! I love the scene when Curdie is hiding from the Goblins and the scene when they come to the palace are high up there.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes. And I did, during a long drive from New York to Maine. My kids loved it - especially my teenage daughter who is a huge fantasy fan and was fascinated to hear this was the first great fantasy novel. She said "I can definitely see how it influenced Tolkein!"

Any additional comments?

A really special listen. I also loved the short story at the end! It was completely different but a really interesting companion piece to this famous classic.

Wonderful narrating!

I enjoyed this book as a child and apparently still do as a adult.
Great relaxing listen. The narrator is a true delight.