Deliverance

By: James Dickey

Narrated by: Will Patton

Length: 7 hrs and 31 mins

Publisher's Summary

Earphones Award Winner (AudioFile Magazine)

The smash-hit best seller that inspired the acclaimed 1972 film starring Jon Voight, Burt Reynolds, Ned Beatty, and Ronny Cox is now available in unabridged audio for the very first time.

The setting is the Georgia wilderness, where the state's most remote white-water river awaits. In the thundering froth of that river, in its echoing stone canyons, four men on a canoe trip discover a freedom and exhilaration beyond compare. And then, in a moment of horror, the adventure turns into a struggle for survival as one man becomes a human hunter who is offered his own harrowing deliverance.

This classic tale is vividly read by movie and TV star and Audie Award-winning narrator Will Patton.

©1970 James Dickey (P)2011 Audible, Inc.

Critic Reviews

100 Best Novels ( The Modern Library)

All-Time 100 Novels ( Time)

"Will Patton's narration is nothing short of haunting. His Southern tone steadily declines from that of a man pondering all that is possible in the world to that of a shattered soul." ( AudioFile)

"A river runs through it..."

A gazillion years ago, a friend and I were lurking and prowling in used book stores in San Diego. We separated, then when we met up again, my friend asked, 'Did you find anything good?' "A few things," I said. "But I was looking for a copy of 'Deliverance' and didn't find it." "You're not missing anything," he replied.

Among everything that's happened in my life since, that remark still stands out as one of the most seriously mistaken. Based on his advice, I sort of stopped looking for it, but when the paper copy and I finally did connect, I was astonished. "Deliverance" is an unqualified masterpiece. Now, I've read it about three times and just finished listening for the first time -- and I tell ya, the audio version is even better than the printed version. I normally listen to audiobooks when I'm doing some sort of mindless task, and many times during "Deliverance" I found that I'd just stopped what I was doing and just stood there, listening. It's totally captivating and consuming.

I suppose my friend's mistaken opinion of "Deliverance" was based on the film -- which I've now seen, too. Once. Indeed, the film is brutal and harsh -- scary, in the vicious savagery it depicts. The book stands in stark contrast -- tense? Yes. In fact, I'd be surprised if this book weren't used in writing classes, to demonstrate the proper way to build tension until it becomes almost unbearable. In the first few chapters especially, you just know something awful is going to happen -- you're just waiting for something to explode. And it does, of course -- but in the book, those terrible scenes we remember from the film take up just a few pages. By today's standards, in the book, it's not even especially violent.

What does linger in the mind is the poetry of the whole thing -- a river runs through the whole story, with Dickey's marvelous commentary on its almost ethereal beauty, its symbolism as a life force, for good or bad, and the danger it can represent.

It's also time for me to issue an apology to narrator Will Patton. The truth is, since listening -- trying to listen -- to several of the James Lee Burke books Patton has narrated, I've avoided any other books listing him as narrator. The Burke books are -- my opinion -- annoying, in that Patton sounds as though he's either drunk or half asleep or maybe both. For me, it's not a pleasant thing to listen to. But here? Oh, my. He's perfect -- none of that drugged-out sort of talk, nothing like that. Not only do I have no complaints, but I have nothing but the highest praise for his work here. Sorry 'bout that, Mr. Patton. Now I'm going to see what other books -- other than the Dave Robicheaux series -- he's narrated. Maybe that half-asleep silliness was just an affectation for those books alone.

Bottom line: if you haven't read "Deliverance" yet, you've got a treat in store for you. Forget the movie. Listen to the audio version -- marvelous, just marvelous.

235 people found this helpful

Kill or be killed!

Yes, I have seen the movie a couple of times. Why I waited 25 years to read(listen) to the book is a mystery. At it's core this is a tale of the extremes of life. Ed Gentry owns and operates an ad agency and is bored to tears. He takes a trip with his friends hoping to burn away the cobwebs that have appeared in his life. The real reason he goes, however, is simply to pacify his pal Lewis Medlock, who is a survivalist and outdoor nut. Ed even hopes that some last minute emergency can stop the trip. It does not. And readers are propelled faster and faster to the horror of Ed's moment of truth, when he thinks he must kill another man. And it is not a quick decision, at least not what might be thought of as instantaneous. Ed has plenty of time to track his prey, notice what the other man is wearing. He also realizes the other man is tracking him, and that is the actual moment of decision. Ed must decide in a fraction of a second what to do.

Author James Dickey writes with a poet's mastery of language. Descriptions of the hill people, the forest, mountains and the river are lyrically connected. A reader feels as if he is watching everything unfold. The two most enduring scenes from the movie involve rape and dueling banjos. As important and captivating as those two moments are there are many other episodes that will hold the listener(reader) enthralled. This is a true tale of survival.

49 people found this helpful

very good

I must have seen the movie two or three decades ago. It seemed a testosterone driven story. So I wasn't sure. A good novel transends genre, though. I enjoyed the story very much. I was pleased that the story continues after they get off the river finally and gives you an idea of how this horrific experience has affected their lives thereafter. Very well written. Interesting and compelling enough that I stayed with it and finished in one day. I actually liked the slower portions of the book as it gave you insight into the central character. I thought the pacing of the story varied nicely.

63 people found this helpful

When Master Author Meets Master Narrator

I've listened to half a dozen Will Patton narrations - he is my absolute favorite narrator ever. He always brings such commitment, artistry, and most of all - INTELLIGENCE - to his readings. But what you are looking at here is pure gold, my friends. This is the meeting of masters. James Dickey's novel Deliverance is more than a book linked to a well-known movie. It is the most well written and intelligent American thriller of the last century. I'm not just blowing smoke: this book is literature - one of the Time 100 and voted 42 on Modern Library's list of greatest novels of the 20th century. So don't buy this thinking you're getting you're usual paint-by-numbers pulp -- no. This requires intent listening. But my goodness, this book will pay off tenfold. Will Patton is so good here, I am simply in awe. I envy you who are about to read this for the first time.

20 people found this helpful

excruciatingly vivid, marvelously written and read

This story moves with all the force of the furious river at its center! We know from the first paragraph that nothing good will happen to these weekend warriors - but the ultimate sequence of events is beyond imagining. Having seen the movie long ago I knew it would be intense, but as usual, the book that spawns a great movie is a real masterpiece. Will Patton is my favorite narrator and this book is perfectly suited to his voice.

59 people found this helpful

Wow this book is amazing.

It is not hyperbole for me to say that James Dickey should be spoken of in the same breath as ANY classic american author. He's a poet and genius. This book was done an injustice by the movie being made. I think more people would have read it if it could have been appreciated for the beautiful piece of literature that it is.
The fact that Will Patton reads it only makes it more perfect. Expectations cannot be too high when starting this book.

19 people found this helpful

Such a great story!

It sure didn't take long to get into this book and then not be able to let go of it. I just love a book that I cannot put down, or in this case, turn off! I found my shoulders continually hunched up and my knuckles white throughout most of it. What a great adventure story! When I started it, I was afraid it would be besought with swearing, given that it's a guy thing, but although there was a little, it was mostly just good writing and a great story. Thank you James Dickey! I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

The performance by Will Patton was spot-on. I felt like I was living this nightmare right along with the characters, and when it was over, I missed them.

The worst thing about finishing a story like this is picking out the next one and then being disappointed when it is not as good.

37 people found this helpful

Nice escape!

I was a little hesitant about listening to the book since I have seen the movie several times. However, the fact that Will Patton is the narrator won me over. I'm very glad too! The movie followed the book very closely, but the book gave so much more insight into who the men are, what they are doing on the river, and why they each had such different reactions. The story is captivating--in spite of the fact that I knew the ending! Will Patton is a perfect narrator for the story. It was fun!

16 people found this helpful

Hits like a stick of dynamite!

I remember reading this book when I was a young lad and enjoying every turned page. I remember the movie both engaging me and holding me in suspense. Without a doubt Will Patton is quickly becoming one of my favorite narrators. His voice is as enthralling as it is mesmerizing. I always loved him as an actor, now I love him even more as a narrator of excellent audiobooks. He first grabbed me when I listened to the abridged edition of Gone South by Robert McCammon (a two cassette edition done years and years ago, my favorite author--three of his books are in my top five favorites of all time--Boy's Life, Swan Song, and The Wolf's Hour, by the way).

The story is as strong as a raging river which cannot be denied its sacrifices. The reading greatly matches Dickey's superb storytelling!

16 people found this helpful

Amazing story

I purposely avoided this book and movie when they originally came out, as the violence of the initial attack seemed too harsh for entertainment purposes. However, I recently read the Audible and Amazon reviews and was convinced it was worth a monthly credit. I am so glad I listened to this story. It is beautifully written, the original attack was not overly drawn out, and the story was compelling and believable.
This, combined with an excellent narration by Will Patton, made for an above-average listening experience. Highly recommended.

7 people found this helpful

Deliverance of a beautifully written book

One of the best downloads I have purchased from audible. I have listened to this adventure countless times, now. And never get bored with it: the language, the characters, the mood, the description.

Worth every pound.

10 people found this helpful

Squeal Like A Pig!

Would you try another book written by James Dickey or narrated by Will Patton?

yes

What did you like best about this story?

It was very much like the classic movie

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

He brings the book to life

Any additional comments?

A good book for all movie buffs

4 people found this helpful

excellent

If you could sum up Deliverance in three words, what would they be?

very very good

What did you like best about this story?

l have seen the movie but the book seems to be excellent a very good read

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

yes

4 people found this helpful

A proper Story - Simple and brilliantly written

Not my normal read. It is very macho but I had loved the film and when I saw this in one of the deals I thought I had nothing to loose.
It was so much better than OK I really enjoyed it and the fact it was very similar to the film. The story lines were true to each other but the book had more grit to it and felt more real.
What surprised me was how well the human bonds were depicted in the story and how much sympathy I felt for the character.
Definitely a great compulsive read and I was left wishing there were more James Dickey Novels out there.
Good one

3 people found this helpful

Harrowing, exciting and thought-provoking.

I really enjoyed this. Having seen the film, I was aware of how much hearing the characters' thoughts and motivations added to the story. It's one of the most realistic thrillers I've come across, which is where a lot of its power lies.

The reading by Will Patton is perfect, with all the emotions of the narrator tainting the edge of his voice until it's hard to believe that this isn't the voice of Ed himself, recounting his horrific and painful memories for you personally.

The only downside with the novel, for me, was that it meandered here and there, and perhaps the ending (detailing the aftermath) seemed to drag a little. It's forgivable, as these wordy sections are usually describing the awe, fear and spiritual experiences Ed goes through in the environment and the situation - his reason for being there. But these details of his connections with nature grated on me slightly when I so badly wanted to see how the next plot point would turn out.

Definitely recommended.

3 people found this helpful

You ain't from around here are ya boy?

Any additional comments?

Love the film, love the music from the film so was over the moon when I saw this in audible form.

Enjoyed the story, beautify written if a little dated in places and got through it in two sittings. The narrator and writer paints the picture in your head with ease. Fast paced and packed with hill billies, what is not to like…. Well there is that one bit, you know the squeal piggy bit that is a quite difficult to listen to but I was pleasantly surprised that it wasn’t too gratuitous in that direction. Well worth the hours and would recommend.

2 people found this helpful

Its ok

I am 39 years old and probably came across the film around 15 years ago and watched, thinking it was pretty good.. a but dated, but good.

The book is the same, its a bit 'waffly' it goes on and on and not a lot happens at times.I found the narraters 'hushed' voice a bit tiresome after a while. I was after some good old red neck nastyness and this doesnt really deliver.

It does explain the river and woods a lot, maybe thats the point of the book.

2 people found this helpful

Best narrator

I wish Will Patton could read every book. he finds a way into the characters, story and rhythm of the book better than anyone else I have heard. His work with Stephen King is also excellent. Of course, the book it's self is a modern classic and a timeless contemplation on masculinity.

dark but mesmerising

Read beautifully. it feels as if I have held my breath through the whole story.

Deliverance really delivered

loved the movie, so read the book- loved that so tried the audio version.
it was flawless - narrator Will Patton did an outstanding job, capturing the atmosphere & tension of the story perfectly.
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