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Brave New World

By: Aldous Huxley
Narrated by: Anton Lesser, Jonathan Coy, Justin Salinger, Pippa Bennett-Warner, full cast
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Publisher's summary

A gripping BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation of Aldous Huxley's classic dystopian novel.

It's 2116, and Bernard Marx and Helmholtz Watson are token rebels in an irretrievably corrupted society where promiscuity is the norm, eugenics a respectable science, and morality turned upside down. There is no poverty, crime or sickness - but no creativity, art or culture either. Human beings are merely docile citizens: divided into castes, brainwashed and controlled by the state and dependent on the drug soma for superficial gratification.

Into this sterile society comes an outsider, John - a man born into squalor and suffering, but raised on The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, a book which has shaped his entire life. When he discovers that treasured ideals such as love mean nothing in this 'brave new world', where romance is ridiculous, marriage shocking and parenthood shameful, John's world is shattered - and his reaction will show Bernard and Helmholtz what rebellion really means....

Based on Aldous Huxley's 1932 masterpiece, widely considered one of the greatest novels of all time, this chilling dramatisation set in a futuristic totalitarian society stars Jonathan Coy, Justin Salinger, Milton Lopes and Anton Lesser. Running time: 2 hours

©2016 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2016 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Featured Article: The 10 Best Dystopian Audiobooks with Unsettling Alternate Realities


Though the dystopian genre focuses on the world’s degeneration, these fantastical, exploratory, and poignant titles often have the power to reveal something significant about the world listeners live in now. No matter the dystopia conjured in a selection, their creators enable us to explore human nature and safely reflect on our own reality. Here are the 10 best dystopian audiobooks to transport, unsettle, and perhaps even inspire.

What listeners say about Brave New World

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    5 out of 5 stars

Great voice cast and dramatization performance.

Amazing story, and great dramatization. the sound effects are compelling. the story really sucks you in.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Sad Look at Humanity's Future

I once would have found this all outlandish but interesting entertainment. However, in light of what has been happening - WAP being OK for our kids while discussing election issues is outlawed - it has become clear that this is exactly where we are headed. Very sad. No human connection. Masks anyone?

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4 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Good but short

I was expecting a longer book. Not sure if the actual book is longer but this was short.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Lackluster Abridgement of a fantastic book.

I usually love a BBC dramatisation, but this one cut out too much in order to come in under time, and lost a lot of the internal struggle of the characters.

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13 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

An Age of Bravery

I did not know what had affected society in this way. From Krypton to the sex clubs in Vegas. I am besides myself.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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A great performance, much to think about

I haven't read the original, and now I want to all the more, to find further nuances to enjoy. The characters were imperfect and understandable mostly.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

good dramatization, mediocre substance

I enjoyed the performances, but would have preferred the unabridged story. not many choices available.

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11 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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With grace and brutality you learned the truth.

I loved the format and skill that this piece was presented. Much like George Orwell, you find your self feeling hopelessly sucked into to how a dystopian future marginalizes your humanity.

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3 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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better than full book

This was the perfect size not to long or short just perfect and a very interesting book

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Sad the story ended.

Great performance for a great story! The best way to get angry and sad when driving.

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