Ivanhoe

By: Walter Scott

Narrated by: Simon Prebble

Length: 18 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

The epitome of the chivalric novel, Ivanhoe sweeps listeners into Medieval England and the lives of a memorable cast of characters. Ivanhoe, a trusted ally of Richard the Lion Hearted, returns from the Crusades to reclaim the inheritance his father denied him. Rebecca, a vibrant, beautiful Jewish woman, is defended by Ivanhoe against a charge of witchcraft - but it is Lady Rowena who is Ivanhoe's true love.

The wicked Prince John plots to usurp England's throne, but two of the most popular heroes in all of English literature - Richard the Lion Hearted and the well-loved, famous outlaw Robin Hood - team up to defeat the Normans and regain the castle. The success of this novel lies with Sir Walter Scott's skillful blend of historic reality, chivalric romance, and high adventure.

Public Domain (P)2010 Tantor

Rather corny but enjoyable nevertheless.

This was my first Sir Walter Scott and while I enjoyed it, it was to modern ears a bit corny. What did make it interesting was listening to an historical novel set in the middle ages written in English not too different to that written by Jane Austen. It gave the whole novel an authenticity as the descriptive passages were not written as they would be today.

Overall I enjoyed it and will listen to more Scott. Simon Prebble did a great job narrating as he always does.

This is a great classic!

very enjoyable, I listened to it with a couple of my kids while we worked on a project.

A book no-one knows, that everybody should read

The book is amazing! The end well leave your heart aching for more. READ IT!!!

Excellent

An excellent story with fascinating historical interest. I would highly recommend listening to this book.

A good story very well told

I enjoy the writing style of the late 18th and 19th century. Still, I was expecting Scott to be a little turgid, and I was pleasantly surprised. He has a marvelous vocabulary. The plot is a little corny; the characters are not especially complex, and highly idealized. But it's an enjoyable book, expertly narrated. The Saxon v Normal antagonisms, and the persecution of Jews are historically interesting; but I don't believe this book is a very reliable source of historical information or insights.

Brilliant storytelling!

A fine and thrilling tale told with extremely good voice. Everyone should read this tale and learn virtue from it. It hurts to hear the prejudice but the dignity shines brightly of all the innocent in this story.

Hard Classic to read

If you could sum up Ivanhoe in three words, what would they be?

Impossible to do

Who was your favorite character and why?

Still reading and think it might be ages before I get though it all so reviewed now on what I heard so far.

What about Simon Prebble’s performance did you like?

He makes it easier to listen to than to read.

Any additional comments?

I know it is a classic, but oh my gosh. I need my cliff notes!

“Of Chivalry and Honor”

This narrative that has swelled my bosom with the high light of honorable deeds done, and dangers surmounted has hitherto been a staple to mine heart. A drought of fresh spring water when the deserts of life press in on every side. When my mind is in need of repose from the busyness of life, I again re-listen to this tale of brave deeds, of powerful beautiful ladies, and of the power that light holds to cast out shadow from every corner of our civilization. A true masterpiece that will swell your heart and raise your mind to higher ideals than the majority of base dribble circulated today. Which is so forced in on us from every side that at times we are like the besieged and besetted inhabitants of a lonely tower. Unable to make good our defense from the barrage of bolts and shafts fired at us from the relentless attackers. That at every hand reach out to get a finger in our pockets or place a thought in our heads. This story is proof against the dangers of our age, and helps us to see the light of who we are through the high ideals of what we were. I implore you to sit back and relax. Let the beautiful voice of Simon Prebble take you to a land of Honor and of Chivalry.

As a side note I would say that though I am indeed a fair writer and know my way around a word or two, I have never written a passage so emblazoned with metaphor or embellishment. Having just now finished the listening of Ivanhoe (For perhaps the 10th time)
I am conscious of its influence over my manner of thought and speech so that it has enabled me to write this review that you are even now reading. Ivanhoe has a power over me that can immediately be felt and seen and I do swear on earth and on sky that is brings light into my life. Thank you for reading my review. Now read Ivanhoe!

It's a classic, of course

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Anyone who has not read this should get around to it. I read it when I was 10 years old. Nearly 50 years later it is well worth re-reading.I had forgotten how many of the movies about Robin Hood had their basis in this story.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I couldn't pick a favorite character no matter how I tried. Each seemed very alive to me.

Which character – as performed by Simon Prebble – was your favorite?

Simon Prebble was good at making the villains of the piece come alive. He has the voice for menace, I think.

Robinhood's birth

I liked the story, I should have read it 50 years ago. I didn't because I got tired of all of the words. They are one of the reasons I didn't. I have found that listing to this kind of book is an enjoy able experience.