Casanova

By: Giacomo Casanova

Narrated by: Benedict Cumberbatch

Length: 5 hrs and 1 min

Publisher's summary

The first part of the Memoirs of Giacomo Casanova, a special film tie-in version. The film, starring Heath Ledger as Casanova with Jeremy Irons and Sienna Miller, will be released in UK February 2006.

©2006 CSA Telltapes Ltd. (P)2006 CSA Telltapes Ltd.

Critic reviews

"During Casanova's long life (1725 - 98) he was involved in high politics in both church and state all over Europe and in Russia. This volume goes some way to explaining his character. His father died when he was seven, leaving six children, but his irresistibly attractive mother won fame as an actress, persuading peers and prelates alike to ensure Giacomo's wellbeing. Casanova presents himself as an attractive rogue, susceptible rather than calculating, and bemused by his numerous and frequently farcical sexual encounters." Christina Hardyment, The Times

Wonderful!

Just a normal story, but who would not love BC's voice? Recommend to every woman and you'll absolutely love it !

Great narration, creepy story

Cumberbatch could read anything and I would give it a go. That being said, I can’t give this a high rating because I did not enjoy the story. I was mostly unfamiliar with Casanova, aside from general pop culture references. Some of his stories involve rape and exploitation.

Abridged, ending on a cliffhanger

I compromised my usual position on abridged volumes because of the reader -- only to find once it ended that I wanted to read the complete memoirs. I've made it up to 1744, with 53 years and thousands of pages to go, and it's all fascinating. Wish Benedict Cumberbatch could have read the whole thing, but he has other gigs.

C'est si bon.

Like a good love affair - very sexy & over too soon. One could not ask for a better match of reader with material.

butter my bread

listening to BC WAD AMAZING, GET A GLASS OF WINE AND SIT DOWN BECOUSE IF YOU DON'T ... WHOA. OF COURSE I WAS DISAPPOINTED IT WAS AN ABRIDGE VERSION BUT THE WAS IT WAS READ MADE UP FOR IT. CHEERS

A great, engaging story

I've listened to it in one sitting.
You will find this book worth the money you'll pay for it.

Half the story, but great to listen to!

Where does Casanova rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I love Benedict Cumberbatch's reading of this, particularly the bedroom scenes. The language is a little flowery but the narrator pulls it off unblushingly. You can really tell he enjoyed reading this. So far I don't have a lot of audio books, but Benedict and Derek Jacobi are the narrators I look for for this reason. They are wonderful. And overall the writing is perfect.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Casanova himself. I also wanted to hear more about Therese but the book ended before they brought her back. She had brains. But Casanova's upbringing and experiences really intrigued me, not just as a window into 18th century life, but how he could be wildly successful at making lovely young women (even ones that initially hated him) fall in love with him. Although women might have been more innocent and had fewer options back then, I think plenty of girls today are just as susceptible to the charms of men like Casanova.

What about Benedict Cumberbatch’s performance did you like?

His voice could fluctuate between a growling purr and innocent wonder, all believable.

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

His descriptions of his successful conquests are particularly sweet. The story also moves along at a good pace.

Any additional comments?

If you want the complete tale, you'll have to buy the written version. This is only part one.

Grand

Delight. Wonderful and wity. Helped me wile away the time. Well read and painted a vivid story.

Boooooooooring

What disappointed you about Casanova?

Ok- I am a Cumberbatch fan, so I gave this a go. Least salacious book evar. You may like it, but if you are looking for a total turn on, this is not it.

What was most disappointing about Giacomo Casanova’s story?

Total lack of descriptive detail.

Which scene was your favorite?

The time he tapped two virgins and was still totally unsexy about it.

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

Cumberbatch is a good narrator.

Not my cup of tea

Admittedly, I was mostly drawn to this book because it was narrated by Benedict Cumberbatch, and the fact that the name is so commonly used as a characterization.
However, I just became really annoyed with Giacomo. The writing itself was fine, but I just despised him thoroughly by the end, lost all sympathy for anything he went through, and have completely regretted spending a credit for it.
I'm just not the audience for this one.