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

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.

This is now one of my favorite books of all time! I even convinced my wife to read it and now we quote lines from it. I don't think that I have ever laughed so hard while listening to an audiobook. It's uncanny how a book written so long ago can still apply to today. This is a must read for those who could use a good laugh.

'Three Men In A Boat' was a hit when published and it is still now. The story of George, Harris and Jack rowing up the Thames river for their summer holiday comes full of comical moments and delightful observations. Most importantly, you will laugh out loud lots and lots. This book is not just for children, it is for all.

Delightful! Clever! British!

Montmorency...but I don't want to give away who

No- but when I tried the other excerpts, I had to admit that Jarvis' rendition was far and away superior...at least for my tastes.

I was pleasantly surprised by unexpected turns in the descriptions or storyline that made me chuckle or laugh. Some of the descriptive prose carried me away, enabling me to vividly imagine different times and places. The ebb and flow of comedy and description kept my attention well.

This is wonderfully funny period book. If you don't like British accents or books about British life in the 19th century, then give it a miss. But if you like things like Jeeves and Wooster (by P.G. Wodehouse), or Rumpole, or some of the BBC comedies available on TV, you might give this a try. It is a mixture of absurb situations and absolutely beautiful descriptive prose! You have to really sit and listen, though, to appreciate it. Listening to this book is like having a friend sitting by the fireside relating his thoughts and his history. The interplay of comedic moments with some of the most beautiful prose I have ever heard makes this book a special favorite. (Stick with it into chapter two to hear the descriptions of the river to experience the beautiful prose.) It is possible that some people might be irritated by the narrator, and this is, of course, strictly a matter of personal taste. I happen to feel that Jarvis has just the right personality, ability to express the characters and situations, and manner to narrate this audiobook. But, as I said, sometimes the enjoyment of the narrator is strictly personal and has little to do with the skillfulness of the narration. Jarvis sounds like he is actually the author relating his own experience and thoughts. Some of the other versions sounded like just narration. The music between chapters is just wonderful. It helps draw one into the proper mood of things. Can you tell that I thoroughly enjoyed this very clever old story?

This is just a classic. It's a great story to listen to and the narration was excellent. Perfect production.

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!

had first listened to this wonderful book in a distracted manner... only realizing how great it was toward the end ... so i listened to it again "straight away", as the Brits would say~
although the references to "the bustle of the 19th century" sound quaint, it really brings home how "the more things change, the more they stay the same"... Jerome's witty stories illustrating human nature are so funny and so right on, i laughed out loud. the historical notes along their travelogue down the Thames are also wonderful, as the 3 young men take a boat outing one summer. just a wonderful treat~ i recommend it highly! (it does help to understand British English).

This classic proves that great literature needn't be hard work. It is light, funny, thoughtful, informative and , occassionally , deep. There are magnificent one liners and great characters - especially Montmorency.

The reading is excellent. Martin Jarvis was born to read English humour and when the stuff he is reading is a as good as this the only problem is that there isn't more of it.

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

Desperately funny - side-splitting!

There is no end to irony, and everything is presented in such an amusing way. The narrator is often sarcastic, but not always - sometimes only the author is using sarcasm.

The narrator, certainly.

Why take the train if you can row?

If you appreciate humor, this book is more than likely for you. If you appreciate language, this book is a good choice for you. If you appreciate life, this book is certainly for you.