Deliverance

By: James Dickey

Narrated by: Will Patton

Length: 7 hrs and 31 mins

Publisher's summary

Earphones Award Winner (AudioFile Magazine)

The smash-hit best seller that inspired the acclaimed 1972 film starring Jon Voight, Burt Reynolds, Ned Beatty, and Ronny Cox is now available in unabridged audio for the very first time.

The setting is the Georgia wilderness, where the state's most remote white-water river awaits. In the thundering froth of that river, in its echoing stone canyons, four men on a canoe trip discover a freedom and exhilaration beyond compare. And then, in a moment of horror, the adventure turns into a struggle for survival as one man becomes a human hunter who is offered his own harrowing deliverance.

This classic tale is vividly read by movie and TV star and Audie Award-winning narrator Will Patton.

©1970 James Dickey (P)2011 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

100 Best Novels ( The Modern Library)

All-Time 100 Novels ( Time)

"Will Patton's narration is nothing short of haunting. His Southern tone steadily declines from that of a man pondering all that is possible in the world to that of a shattered soul." ( AudioFile)

Superb.

Wonderfully-crafted story. And narrators don't come any better than Will Patton. Definitely worth the credit.

An excellent read

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

Yes - This is a classic book that everyone should read. The imagery, style and plot make for a great story.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Deliverance?

The most memorable moment was when Ed discovers the man he shot might not be the man that he was looking for. This was an unexpected turn, and I was able to feel the same devastation he was feeling.

Which character ??? as performed by Will Patton ??? was your favorite?

My favorite character was Ed. Will Patton portrays Ed perfectly, and you can relate to his character.

If you could take any character from Deliverance out to dinner, who would it be and why?

I would take Ed because he is a good man.

Did the author ever run a river?

Deliverance is a good story and Will Patton is a fine reader, but the whitewater and camping scenes sound like they were written by someone that hasn't done either. Also, the first person character, Ed Gentry, spends too much time musing on irrelevant topics; perhaps that's the way the human mind works, but it's not the way of good writing. The movie is better than the book because it sticks to the central story.

Squeal like a book without movie lines

It had been a long time since I had watched the movie version of Deliverance. I don’t recall the movie being as good the book although the movie was good. The movie was pretty true to what was in the book but seems to me that it would have missed out on the psychological aspects of the situation that the book highlights more than the aspects of horror that the movie showcases. The movie had in my recollection a lack of eloquence that the book has in story telling based on the smoothness of the writing. The book was an excellent read that definitely helped add the icon sounds of dueling banjos and the infamous words of squeal like a pig to the movie although the line wasn’t part of the book.

Great book - Great performance

The only exposure I had to this story was the movie from the 70s. So much better to hear the story so deeply experienced from the view of one participant. Will Patton is a favorite reader. I was pleased to hear Deliverance told in his unique voice.

Want to share why I gave it a lower review

I have never heard of this book or movie, but it was so highly rated, I decided to give it a try. It was almost impossible for me to get “into” the book. About halfway through it became interesting... for about one chapter. Then I lost interest again. Maybe I’m just not the right audience (young female who isn’t outdoorsy). Who knows. If you’re on the fence, read a good summary before you buy.

A literary masterpiece that is timeless

The movie does not even come close to touching on the majesty of the book. It is like comparing a photo of the Grand Canyon to swing it in real life. The prose is so beautiful it hypnotizes the reader. The point of the book is how beautifully it’s written - I was hooked by the first 3 sentences. If you do not read this book you are missing out on some of the best writing I have ever experienced including Hemmingway. Will Patton was phenomenal.

Truly mesmerizing performance!

Would you consider the audio edition of Deliverance to be better than the print version?

I would imagine that the audio book is better than the print version because Will Patton truly brings the narrator to life in a way I don't think many could do on their own.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Ed's smart quips and ethereal observations easily lend him to be my favorite character.

Which scene was your favorite?

Even from the beginning, I was capitvated by the author's style. Any moment when he is describing a scene or setting up an emotion are simply beautiful. My favorite moment of the book was towards the beginning when I realized that I was looking forward to taking a canoe trip on Friday, as well as the characters.

If you could take any character from Deliverance out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Louis - he seems like an entertaining dinner guest.

Any additional comments?

The narrator, Will Patton, has delivered a truly mesmerizing performance, breathing life not only into the characters, but to River itself. Truly a masterpiece.

When we hear the title "Deliverance" we think....

Would you listen to Deliverance again? Why?

Yes. It was so beautifully narrated and is a complete and immersing story of friendship, survival and culture.

What other book might you compare Deliverance to and why?

Lord of the Flies perhaps? A Walk In the Woods on the water and gone feral.

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

I haven't. I suspect anything he does will be a luxury for the ears and mind.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

The Heart of Darkness revisited? (This explains why I'm not in advertising.) Since, as we all know, it's already been done and Burt Reynolds, John Voight and (of course) Ned Beatty (who did the heavy lifting in this film so-to-speak) might be a bit miffed. Anyone of a certain age absolutely remembers one particular line from the movie and of course, that's the first thing they think of when they hear the word "Deliverance". I didn't see the movie until I was much older but I remember the macabre movie posters at the cinema when I was a kid.

Any additional comments?

I listened to this a couple of years ago based on the strength of the reviews and I thought I owed it to Mr. Dickey to explore his words. I was so so so grateful to everyone who convinced me with their words that this was much more than "that one scene". What a great piece of work and what a journey the author and Mr. Patton took me on. I escaped my world when I listened and I am forever thankful for that. If the subject of audiobooks comes up I recommend it to anyone who'll listen to me and of course, I get that shocked and uncomfortable look. The book deserves so much more recognition than notoriety as a film. Sorry Burt, John and Ned.

Excellent!

While it's been a long time since I've seen the movie, I think I actually enjoyed this Audible version of the book even more!