Robinson Crusoe

By: Daniel Defoe

Narrated by: John Lee

Length: 10 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

Shipwrecked and cast ashore onto an uninhabited island, Robinson Crusoe ingeniously carves out a solitary, primitive existence for 24 years. Eventually, he meets a young native whom he saves from death at the hands of cannibals. He calls him Man Friday and makes him his companion and servant.

Crusoe and Friday share in a variety of adventures, including a fierce battle with cannibals that culminates in the heroes recapturing a mutinous ship and returning to England.

Based partly on the real-life experiences of Scottish sailor Alexander Selkirk, Defoe's novel of human endurance in an exotic, faraway land exerts a timeless appeal and has taken its rightful place among the great works of Western civilization.

Public Domain (P)2008 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"[One of the few books] 'written by mere man that was wished longer by its readers.'" (Samuel Johnson)

It was green, when green was just a color

What did you love best about Robinson Crusoe?

the self sufficiency, self-awareness.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Robinson Crusoe?

His relationship with the cannibals. First, he thinks they should be killed. Then he comes to realize he doesn't have that right. Who is to say whose beliefs are 'correct'? When he saves Friday from the cannibals. It is interesting that Crusoe teaches Friday the word 'master' first.

Also, the parrot and what the parrot says.

What about John Lee’s performance did you like?

pleasant voice.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

no - very enjoyable

Finally "read" Crusoe and it was worth it!

This is one of those books I have always been meaning to read but never have. In America's public education system, we are not required to do much reading anymore so this one was never assigned and therefore I never had the discipline to set aside time and read it on my own. I am so glad I was able to purchase the audio version. The story lends itself well to audiobook and, while the prose is definitely from another era, it is still very understandable and the themes of the book are timeless. I think even older children would enjoy listening to this one on family car trips this summer.

Time Well Spent

It has been 30 years since I read this book. Somehow it got better. It's an amazing work when you consider it is several hundred years old. Extremely we'll written and a thoroughly enjoyable performance.

More spiritual enlightening than I anticipated

I have to admit that I was a bit nervous about getting into this book and that it would be "old and stuffy", but I was surprised at how accessible it was and the nuggets of spirituality that were sprinkled throughout. It is certainly not a religious text, but posed some interesting concepts and made me think about isolation, corruption, religion, intelligence, self-reliance, morality and other concepts that one is faced with when forced to be alone with your thoughts for a long period of time. Give this classic a try!

Survival Story at its best.

The theater of the mind took over and I found myself being in his shoes, actually not his shoes.

A Classic

The story is timeless. The rest is up to the narrator. To this, Mr. Lee is in a class by himself.

Powered through

The performance was very clinical with little passion about the story. The last few chapters felt like they were a different story. Glad to have the book in my library.

Loved it

The narrator was perfect for the role, and of course the adventure story is first rate. 300 year old story is captivating.

A true delight

The book is a must read. It offers very good insights into human psyche, technology, concepts (such as government, division of labor etc.), and reasoning. I strongly advise it to read and discuss with your children.
As for the narrator, this was my second book by John Lee. Both books were from true masters of their trades and John Lee’s narration matched the prominences of those writers and their books.
Sublime

Narration was excellent!

Any additional comments?

Robinson Crusoe can be a dry read, but John Lee's narration makes this a highly enjoyable listen.