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The Old Man and the Sea  By  cover art

The Old Man and the Sea

By: Ernest Hemingway
Narrated by: Donald Sutherland
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Publisher's summary

The Old Man and the Sea is one of Hemingway's most enduring works. Told in language of great simplicity and power, it is the story of an old Cuban fisherman, down on his luck, and his supreme ordeal, a relentless, agonizing battle with a giant marlin far out in the Gulf Stream. Here Hemingway recasts, in strikingly contemporary style, the classic theme of courage in the face of defeat, of personal triumph won from loss.

Written in 1952, this hugely successful novella confirmed Hemingway's power and presence in the literary world and played a large part in his winning the 1954 Nobel Prize for Literature.

©1952 Ernest Hemingway (P)2006 Simon and Schuster Inc. AUDIOWORKS is an imprint of Simon and Schuster Audio Division, Simon and Schuster Inc.

Critic reviews

  • Audie Award Finalist, Solo Narration - Male, 2007

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What listeners say about The Old Man and the Sea

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Bedtime story?

One of my all-time favorite stories read in a way that is sure to put you to sleep.

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Strong Recommend

Beautiful story.
Masterful narration.
And now I, the writer of this, to have eleven words

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Perfect Classic Summer Read

Before Shark Week there was Hemingway’s Old Man in the Sea. Perfection in every way!

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Daddy Donny Sutherland Delivers

The most exciting, dramatic, insightful, poetic and beautiful portrayal of Man v. Fish. I would also like to highly recommend the movie adaptation from 1958 starring Spencer Tracy. It stays incredibly faithful to the text while providing a stunning visual interpretation.

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in the gulf

my first EH read. it's great and wow, Sutherland! the fisherman's dedication and constant refocusing on his task at hand is reassuring. things happen in the book keep you engaged and anticipating. Sutherland's performance is spellbinding. the word were spoken so clear and poetical. this is possibly my fav experience on audible.

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Great Classic / Sutherland is wonderful narrator

After listening to this wonderful story, I read through snippets and online articles of the author, to include analyses of the work. I come away with the conclusion that this is a well-written story with much implied. Donald Sutherland’s classic voice quality adds to this telling, of a man that insists on doing a thing because he believes he can. Risk is considered - of life and limb - but a story of resolution and memory surround this. Santiago and Manolin represent so many mentor and mentee relationships, and the love that generates from some of them. We all have our own marlins, our own ways of catching them, and I think you’ll consider them as you listen. I won’t spoil the rest, but instead bid you to listen and reflect.

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Wow—a new favorite.

Donald Sutherland is absolutely perfect. Love this classic, and will likely re-listen to this many times over. I’ve been a member going on 15 years, and I can’t think of many that I’ve enjoyed more.

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Wonderful story; Wonderfully performed

Five thumbs up. A great way to relax during a commute. A tender and compassionate delivery.

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A journey through life’s struggles, endurance is what determines our outcome

Manolin and Santiago’s friendship and Manolin’s loyalty transcend age, but define both friendship and loyalty in an incandescent way. The path of life is not paved, it requires backbone and character, both superbly illustrated by Santiago. The novel shimmers throughout with love, dedication, disappointment and endurance. Donald Sutherland was the absolute best choice to narrate this novel, he became Santiago right at the outset.
Brilliant writing, I will re listen more than once I’m sure !

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A Great Tale

Donald Sutherland delivers the goods on this amazing tale where you can actually imagine an old Ernest Hemingway in his skiff battling the marlin for days on end and then fighting off sharks.

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