Candide (AudioGO Edition)

By: Voltaire

Narrated by: Jack Davenport

Length: 3 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's summary

Candide, published simultaneously in five European capitals in 1759, became an instant best seller and is now regarded as one of the key texts of the Enlightenment. Voltaire’s preoccupations with evil and with various kinds of human folly and intolerance found a perfect vehicle in the philosophical tale. A master storyteller, he combined often wildly entertaining action with profoundly serious sense, parodying the traditional chivalric and oriental tales with which his public was more familiar to create a witty allegory of a young man whose optimism gives way to disillusionment after a series of terrible misfortunes.

Public Domain (P)2010 AudioGo

It took me too long to finally read this treasure!

I didn’t know how enjoyable Candide was, or I’d have sincerely tackled it years ago!

I enjoyed a great laugh at the end.

The entire book is an adventure with clear parallel to the time but also still to today.

It is a classic for sure and you could consider stories like “Forrest Gump” to be watered down versions of this tale.

Definitely an entertaining time.

Great narration!

One of the best narrators I've heard. He added a lot to the story.

Candide improved by performance

I've always loved Candide. I'm glad I got this audiobook as the narrator, Jack Davenport, was so good, so animated... so spot on, that now I love it even more.

WOW!

I had no idea Voltaire could be so funny and timely. This is one I will read again and again!

Pleasantly Surprised

First off, the narrator is phenomenal. I'd listen to anything he narrated.

I liked listening to a short book since I tend to favor longer ones. This was a nice change of pace.

I liked the use of dry sarcasm to describe the horrors of war and territorialism. But I didn't understand all the nuanced references. I'll probably listen to the book again to try to decipher what I've missed.

Interesting…

This was such a weird book. It was enjoyable to read and was similar to Kurt Vonnegut. A little depressing, but still a classic. If you’re on the wall about this book, give it a try. You’ll probably enjoy it.

Wonderful reading

This is a wonderful reading of incredible world literature! Everyone should read this book and read it again!

Guaranteed to keep you smiling if not LOL

This was probably Not what most folks would think about this classic. This book is fraught with one-liners that are just hilarious. And to think that these one-liners came from a philosopher of the 1700’s makes it even more astonishing. A book that has remained essential reading for almost 400 years does not require a review by some amateur from our millennium nor could I do it justice. Suffice it to say that this book can be read by scholars who would find transcendental meanings of the times then and relevance for our times now. But, what makes a great book and what made it particularly appealing for me is that, while it can be completely dissected and analyzed, it can also be just thoroughly enjoyed at face value by anyone.

The performances by Jack Davenport were brilliant. Each character’s voice was distinct, seemingly appropriate and perfectly realized for the character performed. And there were plenty of “characters” alright. There was little of the “he said.... she said” monotony of some other books I have listened to. There were so many renditions by other narrators it was difficult to choose from among them. But again I think I lucked out. I cannot imagine any of the alternative narrators being better than Jack Davenport. Not that I think this book could not be appreciated in print. It certainly can. But Mr. Davenport just made it so much fun and really brought the book to life. I find myself smiling as I write this remembering just how much I laughed out loud.

Homers Odyssey meets Hitch-hikers Guide

Would you listen to Candide (AudioGO Edition) again? Why?

Yes - hilarious

Who was your favorite character and why?

Too many to choose

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

Humour....

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

no

Any additional comments?

Great one-liners around every corner
Candide was not at all what I expected..