Casanova

By: Giacomo Casanova

Narrated by: Benedict Cumberbatch

Length: 5 hrs and 1 min

Publisher's summary

The first part of the Memoirs of Giacomo Casanova, a special film tie-in version. The film, starring Heath Ledger as Casanova with Jeremy Irons and Sienna Miller, will be released in UK February 2006.

©2006 CSA Telltapes Ltd. (P)2006 CSA Telltapes Ltd.

Critic reviews

"During Casanova's long life (1725 - 98) he was involved in high politics in both church and state all over Europe and in Russia. This volume goes some way to explaining his character. His father died when he was seven, leaving six children, but his irresistibly attractive mother won fame as an actress, persuading peers and prelates alike to ensure Giacomo's wellbeing. Casanova presents himself as an attractive rogue, susceptible rather than calculating, and bemused by his numerous and frequently farcical sexual encounters." Christina Hardyment, The Times

SIGH

I could listen to BC read ANYTHING---the ceral box, a help wanted sign, vows. You name it. Beautifully read and acted. Truly amazing

Abridged?! No!

I broke my rule and bought an abridged book, because Benedict Cumberbatch was the narrator... and now I need to go and find the rest of this book... I wonder if Benedict Cumberbatch would narrate them...?

Just buy this book, enjoy the experience of Casanova's words and experiences read by Benedict Cumberbatch... "sigh"

But be prepared for the 5 hours to end far too quickly...

A voice that makes the room tremble.

What made the experience of listening to Casanova the most enjoyable?

Let's be honest, if you are a fan of Ben, part of the allure is his voice. Does it really matter what he is reading? But the combination of the floral language and Ben's voice is perfect.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Casanova?

I am a wordsmiths at heart and poetic language is my weakness.

What about Benedict Cumberbatch’s performance did you like?

Ummm.....everything.

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

No. This is my soaking in a warm bubble bath audio book. It is a sensual delight to the ears.

Any additional comments?

Just allow yourself the pleasure of drifting into the story and his voice. You will not regret it. Do not use while driving.
And of course it is not the compleat memoirs. Just enjoy the experience.

Abridged, ending on a cliffhanger

I compromised my usual position on abridged volumes because of the reader -- only to find once it ended that I wanted to read the complete memoirs. I've made it up to 1744, with 53 years and thousands of pages to go, and it's all fascinating. Wish Benedict Cumberbatch could have read the whole thing, but he has other gigs.

One of the worst books I ever finished

Has Casanova turned you off from other books in this genre?

yes

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

It was the first book I had heard him narrate. loved his performance, its the only reason the book didn't get an over all score of 1. I would love to hear him narrate again

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

only Benedict Cumberbatch

Ben can read to me all day...

Benedict Cumberbatch narrates and is wonderful! He should read everything. I don't think I need to say anything more about that.

As for the story: Casanova's memoirs are fascinating. Whether he actually did all the things he said he did is pretty irrelevant. His memoirs are a great window into 18th century society. For history buffs this is a must read. Also, it is nowhere near as explicit as people seem to think.

Not my cup of tea

Admittedly, I was mostly drawn to this book because it was narrated by Benedict Cumberbatch, and the fact that the name is so commonly used as a characterization.
However, I just became really annoyed with Giacomo. The writing itself was fine, but I just despised him thoroughly by the end, lost all sympathy for anything he went through, and have completely regretted spending a credit for it.
I'm just not the audience for this one.

Interesting... Not wanting it to stop.

I found this book written in a sought of conversation format. Format without chapters or sections. It was as if you were sitting face to face with Casanova while he while telling you how his "wildest" exhibitions begin. Very interesting. I look forward to reading and studying more on this great seductionist...

Love the voice, not the story

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

No, I didn't even finish because I didn't care for the story.

What could Giacomo Casanova have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

I have no idea. It was just not a story I enjoyed

Which character – as performed by Benedict Cumberbatch – was your favorite?

His voice is like warm honey so anything character is amazing.

Was Casanova worth the listening time?

No

C'est si bon.

Like a good love affair - very sexy & over too soon. One could not ask for a better match of reader with material.

Soft, Rich and Sensual

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

Yes

What does Benedict Cumberbatch bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

He reads it with a soft, deep, sensual voice and with such passion. An amazing performance

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

Yes

Who better to read this!

This collaboration between story and narrator is perfect. Benedict Cumberbatch makes this wonderful figure seem almost believable and likeable! A fun download.

Bored me very quickly!

Even though the lovely Benedict Cumberbatch is narrating this, the story is so repetitive and boring..I get it, Cassanova had lots of sex. Not man, woman or beast was safe near him! Even Mr Cumberbatch's narration could not make me stay with this story until the end. Avoid

Bowled over by Casanova?

Of course we've all heard of Casanova, the legendary lover, but never having read any I didn't actually know much more than the name.
So - this was a voyage of discovery for me.
I strongly suspect that if I'd read it, I wouldn't have finished the book - there's nothing wrong with the story, it just didn't massively grip me. I suppose I found it to be a fairly ordinary story of a young man's love, but livened up no end by his many many stories of the various love affairs he has along the way.
The narration, however, adds a whole extra depth to it - and I had no idea that Benedict Cumberbatch's voice could be such concentrated filth! That's definitely what added the fun to it for me, and kept me going through it all.
So - an enjoyable listen, but I probably won't be seeking out any more like this.

Fascinating and beautifully read

...but, sadly, this is only the first part of Casanova's story and the rest isn't available with the same narrator. Although Casanova is universally known as a lover, he also had a very interesting life and opens a fascinating window into the past.

Brilliant book

There was nothing to dislike about this book other than it didn’t go on long enough , I was most disappointed when it came to the end . I highly recommend this book to everyone

Too much missing

I know it is an abridged version, butbit ends very abruptly and aged only 23!