Adventures of Huckleberry Finn: A Signature Performance by Elijah Wood

By: Mark Twain

Narrated by: Elijah Wood

Length: 10 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

Earphones Award Winner (AudioFile Magazine)

Audible is pleased to announce the premiere of an exciting new series, Audible Signature Classics, featuring literature’s greatest stories, performed by accomplished stars handpicked for their ability to interpret each work in a new and refreshing way. The first book in the series is Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, performed by Elijah Wood.

Ernest Hemingway said, “All modern American literature comes from one book by Mark Twain called Huckleberry Finn". One hundred years after its author’s death, this classic remains remarkably modern and poignantly relevant. In this brand new edition, Elijah Wood reads Huck in a youthful voice that may be the closest interpretation to Twain’s original intent. His performance captures the excitement and confusion of adolescence and adventure. Best of all, the immediacy of Wood’s energetic reading sweeps listeners up and makes them feel as though they’re along for the ride, as Huck and Jim push their raft toward freedom.

Stay tuned for more one-of-a-kind performances from actors Kenneth Branagh, David Hyde Pierce, Leelee Sobieski, and more, only from Audible Signature Classics.

Listen to more Audible Signature Classics.;An Audible for Dogs Pick: Make your dog's day. Cesar Millan shares how audiobooks can make dogs happier and calmer. Learn more.

Public Domain (P)2010 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Elijah Wood's performance of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is my nominee for the Narrators' Hall of Fame. Wood's unself-conscious reading doesn't sound like a reading at all." ( AudioFile)

Elijah Wood - A Man of many talents

Would you consider the audio edition of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn: A Signature Performance by Elijah Wood to be better than the print version?

Yes. Because of the southern slang, I don't think I could have read very far without getting frustrated and putting it down. Elijah's narration brought the characters to life. In fact, his voice changes were so amazing that I would swear there were more narrators than just Elijah. I would have never recognized Elijah's voice as the black slave, Jim, it was that well performed.

Not as good as Tom Sawyer, but worth reading

If you could sum up Adventures of Huckleberry Finn: A Signature Performance by Elijah Wood in three words, what would they be?

Great performance by Elijah Wood, the story was just OK.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

The most interesting was the personal story and relations of Huck Finn. The least interesting was the endless narration of interactions with characters around the river, which have nothing to do with the main story. It felt at some points as if the novel was just a vehicle to write a history book on the Mississipi, with losts of mini-stories embedded. This made it a little boring. It does get much better at the end when Tom shows up.

Which scene was your favorite?

I would have to say when Tom Sawyer shows up and all the tricks they play on his Aunt.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No.

6 stars for Elijah Wood's performance!

Elijah Wood's reading of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is first rate!

- Excellent accents for all of the characters.

- Consistent pacing and volume throughout the story.

Easily the BEST audible book I have heard.

I read it on kindle while I listened and the story really came alive. Usually I speed up the narration when I do this, but Wood's drawl was somehow speedy enough for me at 1x.

All Star Performance

Would you consider the audio edition of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn: A Signature Performance by Elijah Wood to be better than the print version?

Elijah Wood did a great job as Huck Finn. Really brought the character to life.

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

I loved the way that each character had his/her own distinct voice. He really did a great job of speaking for the characters

don't read this to your kids

Every other word is the N word, and you do NOT want your kid doing anything in this book. But quite an adventure, and interesting insight into the mindset at the time, especially toward slaves.

Excellent

Elijah Wood did an excellent job.

A certain word, discussed recently in the media is used quite often. If this is unforgivable, then you should not read/listen to the book. I will say that Huck and Jim care a great deal for one another. There are times when Huck struggles with issues involving slavery that arise from his environment and upbringing but ultimately decides..., well, listen to the book.

A great American novel, masterfully told

Elijah Wood disappears into Huck Finn and all the other characters in this book. Has got a performance as his work in lord of the rings. Frequent use of the N-word, so don’t listen to it a public place without showing some consideration for whoever’s nearby. But well worth visiting again if you don’t remember it from high school, and you probably don’t. It really is a great American novel, even if there are excellent reasons for not teaching it in a mixed race high school class

GAN for sure

Have you ever been surprised by how dumb your own opinions were? I thought Mark Twain was too old fashioned and too folksy to be worth the read. I was soo wrong. My advice is clear your mind of any and all expectations. You will love the adventure. Remember you are reading for the chance to go one a ride with the characters. Embrace the journey.

The weird part of this book is that they say “Nigger” way too often. It feels like a common complaint but it is a real Barrier to enjoyment. It makes me uncomfortable and it feels different in my modern ears. Elijah Wood saying it millions of times is quite absurd so you are warned.

Brutal

By today's lense a brutal story of lies and greed and slavery but also examples of forgiveness, loyalty and hope.
I read it 40 years ago. The Audible book was hard to listen too at times.

One of the best performances I've heard

I had a smile on my face from start to finish Loved it. Give it a listen...By and by.