The Mists of Avalon

By: Marion Zimmer Bradley

Narrated by: Davina Porter

Length: 50 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's summary

A posthumous recipient of the World Fantasy Award for Lifetime Achievement, Marion Zimmer Bradley reinvented - and rejuvenated - the King Arthur mythos with her extraordinary Mists of Avalon series. In this epic work, Bradley follows the arc of the timeless tale from the perspective of its previously marginalized female characters: Celtic priestess Morgaine, Gwenhwyfar, and High Priestess Viviane.

©1982 Marion Zimmer Bradley (P)1993 Recorded Books

Critic reviews

“[A] monumental reimagining of the Arthurian legends...” ( The New York Times Book Review)

More than one life for the reader

Would you consider the audio edition of The Mists of Avalon to be better than the print version?

The print version I read when it first came out, at a time when I was, like the characters in the book, fighting against overwhelming forces. It was a resting place. The audiobook is that, again, with the narrator to rest with me.

Who was your favorite character and why?

None of the characters are admirable, they all act in "jerry springer" fashion much like in the movie Chicago. One admirable character would have changed everything, and it's up to the reader to write what should have been done in.

Which scene was your favorite?

To avoid spoilers I would have to say the places in the book, especially Avalon. Everyone has heard of Arthur and Lancelet making the letter H with Gwenhyfar which is laugh out loud hilarious in its awkwardness.

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

A fifty hour book can't be, even at speed three. However I'll admit I read all night to pull through the story to the spoiler parts.

Any additional comments?

All of the characters are understandable, and very relevant, and that includes the fact that the main voice is a female precursor to Dexter. Eeew -- with understanding. There is something very much of the present moment within this book.

wonderful surprise

I almost stop listening during the first book because it moves slowly at first. However, I'm glad I continued because once I got past that, I was pleasantly surprised and found myself intrigued with all the characters and wanted to know a each story unfolded. All the main characters feel palpably real because no one is just inherently good or evil, you can relate to all of them and understand their motives. I found myself not knowing where I wanted the story to go, because I could emphasize with so many of the characters and wanted them all to succeed.

Well Done

Davina Porter does a delightful job giving voice to all the characters of Arthurian legend!

more important now than ever

I first heard of this book over 20 years ago in college. a lot of my female Pagan friends found it very important. I really wish I had read it sooner. set as a Chronicle of Arthurian Legend, this is an incredible reflection on the need for religious pluralism and tolerance and the dangers of patriarchy and fanaticism. and yet it's told in such a way that it's very hard to outright hate any figure in the story. Davina Porter's reading is amazing. hearing she contends with easily 30 different important characters and manages to make it seem like you're hearing that many different voices, without resorting to caricature. one caveat, this certainly is an unabridged version. it took me several weeks to get through it, and some of the courtly chatter can seem quite endless. but still, a great way to immerse yourself in a very believable take on Arthurian Britain.

I love Davina Porter

Where does The Mists of Avalon rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Story, upper mid of the list. Performance, upper end. Davina Porter is talented and just music to listen to.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The Merlin; he's stable in the midst of all the wrestling over states, religions, beliefs, and consciences.

Which scene was your favorite?

Oh, don't really have one.

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

The film's been done. I have no additional ideas.

Any additional comments?

An amazing work of writing; not the best ever, but an amazing lot of work and an original way (well, it was original 25 years ago) to look at King Arthur et al.

Spectacular

Would you listen to The Mists of Avalon again? Why?

This is one of my favorite books of all time. I was hesitant to "listen" to it because often it is a disappointment. Davina Porter could not have done a more excellent job performing this book. Every voice, inflection and expression was spot on. Thoroughly enjoyed it and will listen to it again.

Who was your favorite character and why?

My favorite character is Morgaine because of her drive, wit, honor and perseverance. I love the story from the woman's perspective

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

My first Davina Porter.

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

Impossible because it took 50 hours plus. I did however get irritated when I had to stop listening and otherwise engage in life!

Easy listening, But....

There are no heroes in this story! All the main characters are quite human and flawed, which is appropriate, but the treachery, power hungry, and selfishness was never ending. Some minor characters were good, and the writing and narration was good, but an overall sad saga. Glad I got the whole book on sale.

Magical

All the movies and books about Camelot and their royalty are brought together in this story. I simply loved it.

Fascinating and durable

Expected it would keep me entertained during a season of travels, in Wales, but it was so much more. The feminist interpretation on the old story makes the historical dimensions of post-Roman Britain accessible. Now, I can finally understand where some of the names my friends gave their children decades ago came from! The fantasy elements were well-crafted, as was the ambiguity in many of the relationships.

King Arthur

If you like the story of Camelot, this offers a different, more detailed account while stay true to the legend. Beautifully written. Beautifully performed.