Or All the Seas with Oysters

By: Avram Davidson

Narrated by: Darren Marlar

Length: 7 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's Summary

This is a classic collection of short stories written by Avram Davidson, one of the most acclaimed fantasists of the 20th Century. It includes his best-known short story, "Or All the Seas with Oysters", and more.

©1962, 1976 Estate of Avram Davidson (P)2012 Wildside Press LLC

Critic Reviews

"Davidson was a fine, fine writer." (Gene Wolfe)

Terrific Author, Wrong Narrator

Would you listen to Or All the Seas with Oysters again? Why?

I love Avram Davidson. I've been a great fan forever. His work is subtle, engaging, interesting, and mind stretching. Unfortunately, Mr. Marlar's interpretation is better suited to a Noir Thriller or a Western than to such an erudite author.

The consistent mispronouncing of the word virulent as vai RUH lunt made want to weep. I stopped listening after that story. It was a little like watching someone you love being mugged.

What other book might you compare Or All the Seas with Oysters to and why?

The Adventures of Dr. Esterhazy is a consistent delight. I found Ursus of Ultima Thule to be a bit brutal way back when it first came out, so haven't listened to that one. Tim Power's work strikes me as equally brilliant, although he doesn't have many short stories on audible. Always love James P. Blaylock's stuff.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Darren Marlar?

I found Robert Blumenthal's narration of The Adventures of Dr. Esterhazy to be excellent, and without reproach. He had a masterful command of the material and didn't mispronounce any of the words. I also would like to hear Bronson Pinchot have a run at this material. I find his vocal interpretations to be as nuanced and subtle as this writing requires.

1 person found this helpful

Cerebral, yet engaging

What made the experience of listening to Or All the Seas with Oysters the most enjoyable?

I love the fact that this is a collection of short stories. I was able to listen to a single chapter, which was an entire story in itself. Every new chapter was a completely new experience and storyline with different characters. For those of us with short attention spans, this was perfect!

What did you like best about this story?

Avram Davidson really makes you pay attention. Definitely not a background-noise type of listen... you must be engaged at all times!

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

No, which is why I enjoyed I loved that it was several short stories. I could go several days or weeks between chapters and not have to worry about remember what had happened previously. Each chapter was a completely different sci-fi story.

2 people found this helpful