Robinson Crusoe

By: Daniel Defoe

Narrated by: John Lee

Length: 10 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

Shipwrecked and cast ashore onto an uninhabited island, Robinson Crusoe ingeniously carves out a solitary, primitive existence for 24 years. Eventually, he meets a young native whom he saves from death at the hands of cannibals. He calls him Man Friday and makes him his companion and servant.

Crusoe and Friday share in a variety of adventures, including a fierce battle with cannibals that culminates in the heroes recapturing a mutinous ship and returning to England.

Based partly on the real-life experiences of Scottish sailor Alexander Selkirk, Defoe's novel of human endurance in an exotic, faraway land exerts a timeless appeal and has taken its rightful place among the great works of Western civilization.

Public Domain (P)2008 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"[One of the few books] 'written by mere man that was wished longer by its readers.'" (Samuel Johnson)

great reading

I found this to be much better than my reading as a teenager. Was like I was right there with him.

A Must Read for Everyone

This book was in our family library when I was a child, and I am so sorry that I have waited far too many years to read this piece of classic literature. It was even better than I had anticipated, knowing that it was so highly revered. I would recommend to anyone that it deserves a read (listen) if, for no other reason, than to fully understand so many of today's references to this wonderful story. However, there are so many other reasons to listen to it. It was exciting, interesting, harrowing, and incredibly well written. The ingenuity of Robin is absolutely fascinating, and the author's descriptions of how he makes do on this island are more than impressive. The writing style was incredibly easy to take in, even when one considers how long ago it was penned, and how different the vernacular was then. Do not think for one minute that this is a staid work of dry English literature. It was as easy to understand as something written in our own time, and as exciting as our thrillers. Wonderful narrator, too. Do yourself a favor and, if you haven't already, immerse yourself in this great adventure. I would liken it to 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. If you have enjoyed that book, then you will love this. And if you haven't read Verne's novel, I would recommend for that to be the next download if you enjoy Robinson Crusoe

Much better as an adult

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

This book was very good. The story line is excellent and I connected with the hero as well as the other characters. The fortune seeker is there in all of us. This story shows what can go wrong, then right. I liked the spiritual references without being heavy handed about it.

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

The narrator is crisp in his delivery. It creates suspense and interest without hype.

Any additional comments?

I never read this book for high school lit class. I'm glad I'm acquainted with it now.

Much better than I expected!

I thought I knew this story, but I was wrong. As the classics go, this one was wonderful. I truly enjoyed the story and the narration. Great job!

Captivating story of a captive

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

This ranks as one of the best audiobooks I've listened too. The kind of book you hate to see end. Terrific narration by John Lee. This was my first listen with this narrator, he keeps you hooked all the way through the story.

What other book might you compare Robinson Crusoe to and why?

Alfred Lansing's, Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage, a true story set in Antarctica opposite Crusoe's climate, but has all the survival against-all-odds elements. Another story in a similar vein as Robinson Crusoe is Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Lauren Hillenbrand. The survival odyssey of Louie Zamperini. Also worth noting is Louie L'amour's, Last of the Breed, the fictional adventure of an AF pilot who relies on his ancient Indian instincts to survive and escape through Siberia.

Have you listened to any of John Lee’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

It is always a treat to find a great narrator; someone who can lead you into another area of literature. John Lee is one of them.

74ranch

I forgot what a great story Robinson Crusoe was. The thought of being standed on an island in the 17th or 18th century without any hope of rescue is hard to imagine. What I remember as a children's book, turned out to be a wonderful story.

Wonderful!

Would you listen to Robinson Crusoe again? Why?

Yes. It was a really good story.

Have you listened to any of John Lee’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

John Lee is a fantastic reader and no I have not ever listened to him before listening to Robinson Crusoe.

Fantastic!

It is clear why this is a classic and has stood the test of time. Very well-written. Excellent reading performance.

This Classic wasn't a classic for me

This is the second classic book (Great Expectations was the first) that I've listened to because I didn't really pay attention when I was in school 40+ years ago. I gave Great Expectations five stars. I gave this book three. It was repetitive and moved rather slowly. Maybe the predictability of the story detracted from the overall effect. It seemed rather politically incorrect but that's largely due, I suspect, to the fact it was written in the early 1700s. I wonder if it's not being used in schools today because of that political incorrectness. I was also quite amazed at Crusoe's marksmanship with the crude guns with which he armed himself. He never seemed to miss. I enjoyed the listen more after Friday came into his life and I suppose that makes sense since there was a second character to be developed. Were this not a classic I probably would have questioned why I bothered to listen in the first place. The narrator was adequate although very monotonous. The listen satisfied my curiosity but did very little more for me.

A classic

I found it a bit of work in the early going, but was well rewarded for following it through to the end. Does a fantastic job of painting what is going on inside the remarkable protagonist.