The Three Musketeers

By: Alexandre Dumas

Narrated by: John Lee

Length: 23 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

Mixing a bit of seventeenth-century French history with a great deal of invention, Alexandre Dumas tells the tale of young D'Artagnan and his musketeer comrades, Porthos, Athos, and Aramis. Together they fight to foil the schemes of the brilliant, dangerous Cardinal Richelieu, who pretends to support the king while plotting to advance his own power. Bursting with swirling swordplay, swooning romance, and unforgettable figures---including the seductively beautiful but deadly femme fatale, Milady, and D'Artagnan's equally beautiful love, Madame Bonacieux--- The Three Musketeers continues, after a century and a half of continuous publication, to define the genre of swashbuckling romance and historical adventure.

©1923 Public Domain (P)2008 Tantor

Splendid Narration of Classic Swashbuckling Tale

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

I read the Dumas novel more than half a century ago, and have very much enjoyed the way John Lee brought the characters back to life in this Audible version. I gave an overall rating of four stars, but this was primarily because I could not offer four and one-half, as I should have preferred.

Lee's delivery is well-paced and clear. The flow is always suitable for the text, and changes appropriately as required. The characters indeed appear "real" as he presents them, from the noble Athos to the despicable Milady.

My only criticism -- a mild reproach at that -- is the obvious one. Given the number of characters, the voice of a single narrative may perhaps have been somewhat overworked. For example, Lee tries to effect a somewhat gruff tone for the long-suffering Athos, but the result is that the character sounds older than the chronological age Dumas gave him. Similarly, he is not altogether convincing with the female voices.

This minor point aside, I heartily recommend the production, which runs more than 23 hours in duration. Dumas' tale has enthralled readers for generations, and now in can captivate listeners as well!

What other book might you compare The Three Musketeers to and why?

I am at a loss on this score, although I also read the same author's TWENTY YEARS AFTER, a somewhat inferior work.

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

This was my first encounter with John Lee, and I look forward to hearing his narrations of other works!

Classic!

Would you consider the audio edition of The Three Musketeers to be better than the print version?

YEs... can paint while I listen.

What did you like best about this story?

Epic scope, great humor, amazing dialogue.

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

Great accents. Very French.

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

The fight scenes are very citing, but the humor in the mis adventures tween fights... classic... could be performed on stage at the Ren-fest every year till dooms day.

Any additional comments?

You like swash buckling? This is the place where it all started! You ever dream of being an handsome, well dressed, well spoken, romantic, sexy, witty, and best swords-man in the known world? You MUST listen to this wild tale of valor, honor, lust, greed, politics, evil, goodness, humor and heroic swords play!

Fabulous !!

This story is fabulous in every way! Plots upon subplots - the characters grow and mature over the course of the many adventures, trials, loves, tribulations, and losses of the 3 musketeers and a member of the guard - D'Artagnan. Truly - this is great literature - the language beautiful (although the translation does matter) the story rich, humorous, sorrowful, and penetrated with emotional color. This is a classic you must read :)

Good story, amazing reader

What made the experience of listening to The Three Musketeers the most enjoyable?

John Lee is one of the best audiobook readers.
The story is very exciting. You can see how movie adaptations become so adventurous and fun to watch (even though they only borrow like two chapters worth of content from the original book) because the book feels very fast paced even though it's fairly long.

What did you like best about this story?

The adventure!

What about John Lee’s performance did you like?

He does a great job distinguishing character voices without sounding silly or excessive. He also handles the french well and makes it easy to listen for those of us who have no inkling toward understanding it at all.

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

The many times when a character was trying to catch up with another to prevent some unknown horrible thing -- so intense! Also, Athos' backstory.

Any additional comments?

Highly recommended. Brace yourself for the ending though.

Oh My God, What a Book

I Can't believe I've went 48 years and haven't read this book.
There were parts in this book that I wanted to skip because the story had me so mad. Am so glad I didn't.
From the start it grabbed me and would not turn loose. I usually listen riding to work and when I cut grass, I even cut my neighbors yard so I could get another 2 hours of book time. I would give 2 credits for just another 2 hours.
Wow just Wow.

Captivating book

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

Of the many dozens of audiobooks which I've enjoyed, this is the book I recommend first of all.

Who was your favorite character and why?

D'Artangnon is my favorite character. I love his bold, clever nature.

What about John Lee’s performance did you like?

I listen to audiobooks at 2x or 3x speed. I find my mind wanders when I listen slower. John's speech was clear and did not distort at higher speeds.

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

Alexandre Dumas masterfully wove his story through hope and despair, love and loss. I enjoyed the full spectrum of emotion in his story.

Any additional comments?

I've listened to it through twice now. I can't wait to experience the remaining books in this series.

Better than all of the movies put together!

Would you listen to The Three Musketeers again? Why?

I enjoyed this book so much, I'll probably listen to it at least once a year.

Any additional comments?

There hasn't been a film yet that honestly follows the book. This story is far better than any of them!

Amazing book

I lived this book it took forever to finish it but it was completely worth it. The story is just deal and full of colorful characters definitely will be listening to it again.

Probably the best version of the book out there

I picked this up foolishly for an english project, but having the kindle, physical, and audio books really helped

Such a great story and wonderful narrator!

I am so glad I finally picked this book. I loved it from start to finish. I may even listen again!