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The Old Man and the Sea  By  cover art

The Old Man and the Sea

By: Ernest Hemingway
Narrated by: Donald Sutherland
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Publisher's summary

The Old Man and the Sea is one of Hemingway's most enduring works. Told in language of great simplicity and power, it is the story of an old Cuban fisherman, down on his luck, and his supreme ordeal, a relentless, agonizing battle with a giant marlin far out in the Gulf Stream. Here Hemingway recasts, in strikingly contemporary style, the classic theme of courage in the face of defeat, of personal triumph won from loss.

Written in 1952, this hugely successful novella confirmed Hemingway's power and presence in the literary world and played a large part in his winning the 1954 Nobel Prize for Literature.

©1952 Ernest Hemingway (P)2006 Simon and Schuster Inc. AUDIOWORKS is an imprint of Simon and Schuster Audio Division, Simon and Schuster Inc.

Critic reviews

  • Audie Award Finalist, Solo Narration - Male, 2007

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What listeners say about The Old Man and the Sea

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Lots of story in a small package

This is my favourite type of classic. It is an exciting and thoroughly believable story coupled with a great writing style and profound themes that really resonate. It`s full of action, suspense, hope, fear, love, caring, pride, humility, and insight. I was very impressed and my first thought when I finished the book was: `I have got to share this with my sons`.

I listened to this classic from start to finish uninterrupted on a long airplane flight. Doing that was a mistake, though. I was cheating myself. For a short book, there is a heck of a lot packed in and its messages are presented quite subtly. Without time to reflect on what I'd just read, I (rightly) suspected I'd missed quite a bit. So, the day after finishing it, I undertook a bit of research to see what themes I had missed. I`m glad I did and now have a much better appreciation of this fine novella. I suggest you do the same if you get a similar feeling when you finish it.

And --no surprise-- Donald Sutherland's narration is thoroughly enjoyable and worthy of this great book. At some points in the book it becomes mesmerizing.

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24 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

great

I love Hemingway and hadn't taken the time to read this. Donald Sutherland's naration is wonderful and the story is too.

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13 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Poetry

This audio was short but beautiful. I can't imagine a better choice of narrator. Perfect match.

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5 people found this helpful

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All in one day

I started listening while working and didn't stop until I finished. What a great story.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Still a fish tale

Being forced to read this in school I thought I would give it another try as an adult. I can appreciate it, but I didn't like it. The imagery is great, the symbolism to Christ's trials is evident throughout the book and Donald Sutherland doesn't break a sweat in regards to his narration -very quite, steady and well, boring. The voice is a good fit to the monotonous story. All in all it's still a fish tale

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Man vs. Nature, Society and Himself

I read this years ago, and forgot much of it. I remembered the fight against the fish, but not that the story is also about man trying to make it in society, and understanding himself.

The brutality of Santiago fighting against the 18' marlin for his survival had a nobility to it. The detail was incredible - the tension when he first hooks the fish, how he physically and spiritually sustains himself during the battle only to be defeated by sharks.

I loved the old man's relationship with the boy, and was surprised and amused by their mutual love of DiMaggio and baseball.

Sutherland's narration was wonderful - it made me slow down and really feel the language and get caught up in it.

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a Classic

A Classic by Ernest Hemingway showing a old man's persistence and determination. Great Book for the generations.

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A Classic Tale that Never Grows Old

A beloved classic expertly narrated by Donald Sutherland. His performance here really brings this work of art to life and makes you feel as if you are right there in the boat. This one is a must for all!

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Donald Sutherland

I have read this book many times but it came to life with your reading. Thank you

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Sad tale

This is read very slowly and best listened to at 1.25 speed. The story shows the difficulty and frustration of growing old, poverty and true friendship between the boy and Santiago.

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