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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

Featured Article: The top 100 classics of all time


Before we whipped out our old high school syllabi and dug deep into our libraries to start selecting contenders for this list, we first had to answer the question, "How do we define a classic?" The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might guess, though there’s a lot to be said for the old adage, "You know it when you see it" (or, in this case, hear it). Of course, most critically, each of our picks had to be fabulous in audio. So dust off your aspirational listening list—we have some amazing additions you don’t want to miss.

What listeners say about The Old Man and the Sea

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Best novella ever

Hemingway pretty much invented the technique of writing about one thing while the words are talking about something else. This is Hemingway at the peak of his ability and the height of his own experience of life. It comes about as close to perfection as any prose work has a right to in this world. Having Donald Sutherland read it is just an extra bonus.

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Powerful classic

This is a great classic story of an old fisherman, a boy he has taught to fish, and the great fish he seeks to land. The relationship between the old man and the boy and the old man’s respect for the fish add warmth and depth to the story.

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1 person found this helpful

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

Just get it, read it, listen to it either or both.

Would you listen to The Old Man and the Sea again? Why?

I've read it several time and listened to it and will do both again many times I'm sure.

Any additional comments?

Just get it, read it, listen to it either or both.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Beautiful

I have never written a review before but I cannot find enough words to describe how perfectly matched Donald Sutherland's voice is with this Hemingway classic. It is a definite must for anyone's Audible library

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Very Rich and Satisfying

The richness of Hemingway's descriptions keeps you fully engrossed in this "slice of life" novel. The book has such depth and power!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Simply one of the best there is

An amazing story with beautiful narration. Highly recommend to anyone with interest in Hemingway or great storytelling.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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perfection.

Amazing story, perfect narration. Favorite story, absolutely loved it. Will listen to it again soon.

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Just Beautiful

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

So moving, so elegant. This story will transport you. The simple beauty of this tale will have you in tears. Donald Sutherland does an EXCELLENT job with his narration.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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classic story- couldn't hear narrative

I can't return as I was trying to listen in the car.. some passages are not very clear due to the low voice.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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A Classic

Good to go back and read the books that you read as a child. Donald Sutherland is perfect as the narrator.

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