Three Men in a Boat (To Say Nothing of the Dog)

By: Jerome K. Jerome

Narrated by: Martin Jarvis

Length: 6 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's summary

Here is one of the greatest English comic novels read by incontrovertible king of English comic audiobook readers, Martin Jarvis. Three men, worried about their health and in search of different experiences, set off 'up the river' in a boat. Jerome's delightful novel, dating from 1900, paints a vivid picture of innocent fun.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

©2005 NAXOS AudioBooks Ltd. (P)2005 NAXOS AudioBooks Ltd.

Very entertaining

A story of three British friends who go on a round-trip holiday from London to Oxford. Funny and endearing, old-fashioned English humor.

A Worthy Version of a Beloved Classic

What did you love best about Three Men in a Boat (To Say Nothing of the Dog)?

Its hard to believe how long ago this book was wriiten, and how well it stands up to the test of time and humor. It is frequently used as the example of classic British understated humor, and this Audible version is entirely delightful, from start to finish.

silly silly silliness

If you like British word-play oriented humor, listen to this book. The narration was spot on. If you think Seinfeld is about nothing, and love it for it, you will love this, too. I gave it 4 stars for story, as I do enjoy a Bit More of a Plot, than 3 men went down the river in a boat (to say nothing of the dog). You will not be made a better, stronger, faster, more character laden person for listening to this, but you will be made a happier one!

Another perfect pairing; excellent book & reader

This is such a classic book, and martin Jarvis is such an incredibly good reader, that I almost don't know what to say other than, this is great! I only wish it was longer.

The three fellows & the dog floated down the river back when men really did wear straw boaters & women corsets & big hats, and for a woman to show her ankle was an utter scandal. Jerome's humor is delightful, and the situations the group get into are hilarious. It's the kind of book one can read or listen to repeatedly. A good book to read after this is Connie Willis's "To Say Nothing of the Dog," wherein people visit that time, and happen to run into Jerome & his fellow travelers.

It doesn't seem to happen often, but sometimes the Powers That Be manage to make the perfect choice for narrator --another one that I just got was Stephen King's "The Stand" + Grover Gardner. When it does happen, it's wonderful.

Sooo funny

This was so funny! I loved it. This had my mom gals of laughter and I laughed heartily too. And the narration by Martin Jarvis was just as fun and lively as all his other narrations. I strongly recommend this book to anyone any age being eleven my self. I also like how after every chapter there is some lively music that makes you love this all the more. So if you are a busy mom looking for a good light book to listen to while washing the dishes, try this grate and well narrated book. Or if you are just a teen or preteen like me and looking for a funny and entertaining book to listen to, I tell you, chose this.
Enjoy

Incredible!

This book was originally written in 1889, but only proves that English wit has stood the test of time. If you like English humour, you'll love this book -- I'd have NEVER guessed it was old. And the narrator, Martin Jarvis, provides a thoroughly enjoyable, and listenable, accounting.

Another amazing thing -- according to Wikipedia, this book was "originally intended as a serious travel guide, but the humorous elements took over". Incredible!

Quite fun

Would you listen to Three Men in a Boat (To Say Nothing of the Dog) again? Why?

I would listen again just because Martin Jarvis has a nice voice and lovely accent - he's a pleasure to spend time with.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

I found the most interesting aspect of the story to be the universality of human (and dog) nature. The stories Jerome relates are mostly about human foibles and all of the technology that has developed in the 120 years since this was written hasn't changed people or dogs one whit.

Which scene was your favorite?

I loved one of the very beginning stories about the author having read a book on illnesses and diagnosing himself with most of them and his doctor's irritation at the patient misapplying a little knowledge when he wasn't a trained doctor. LOL - How many of us do this these days using information we Google? Clearly, diagnosing your own medical ailments and a physician's aggravation with that did not start with the invention of the Internet. In addition, I loved almost every story about Montmorency especially his encounter with a big black Tom cat.

Any additional comments?

I wouldn't put this on my list of all time favorite books, but it is entertaining and the narration is superb.

Brilliant little piece of British humor

If you could sum up Three Men in a Boat (To Say Nothing of the Dog) in three words, what would they be?

Jolly. Good. Fun.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Difficult to say. Maybe J, as he's the narrator? They're all funny and entertaining.

What about Martin Jarvis’s performance did you like?

Martin Jarvis sounds just as you'd expect a proper English gentleman to sound. Part of the humor arises from the contrast between the absurdity of the events and the propriety of the narrator.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I read this book very quickly using the Whispersync option to switch between the Kindle e-book and this narration. I must say I enjoyed the narration even more than the e-book because of Jarvis's phenomenal performance.

Any additional comments?

Great book, particularly if you enjoy dry British humor.

Dry and Hilarious

The first time I became aware of "Three Men In A Boat" was in the late seventies or the early eighties when I saw a much-shortened film version which included in it's cast Tim Curry and Michael Palin. I do remember it was very funny. I forgot about it though until I heard part of this audio version on satellite radio. I had to hear the whole thing and I was glad I purchased a copy from Audible. It must be one of the funniest novels ever written with it's dry "English" humor set against the absurd and exagerrated scenarios and the "over-the-top, wild opinions. There is also a true sense of love of the river Thames and of English history.

Wonderful

Excellent narration brought this favorite of my dear departed Dad to life. I thoroughly enjoyed it and understand why it was one of his favourites. I'm sure I'll be returning to it in the future