The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald & The Goblin and the Grocer by Hans Christian Andersen (Annotated)

By: George MacDonald, Hans Christian Andersen

Narrated by: Alison Larkin

Length: 5 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

"I do not write for children, but for the childlike, whether of five or 50 or 75." - George MacDonald

The Princess and the Goblin was published in 1872. One of the very first fantasy novels this magical classic had a profound influence on the work of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien and is loved by fans of fantasy fiction to this day. Eight-year-old Princess Irene lives in a remote mountainous region with no one but her nursemaid for company. Then she meets a mysterious old woman and Curdie, a young miner. Meanwhile, deep in the heart of the earth beneath her lurk grotesque and hideous creatures seeking vengeance against human kind.

The Goblin and the Grocer by Hans Christian Andersen is a short fairy tale about a very different kind of goblin who must choose between poetry or an edible Christmas treat.

Both stories are read by award-winning audiobook narrator, comedienne, and best-selling author of The English American, Alison Larkin. Other children's classic tales read by Alison Larkin include Peter Pan and The Inconsiderate Waiter by J M Barrie and Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass - the 150th anniversary audio edition by Lewis Carroll.

©2016 British Classic Audio (P)2016 British Classic Audio

Find and Follow the thread

Great analogy to our finding spiritual guidance in a world where materialism reigns supreme in the thinking of so many people.

A WONDERFUL audiobook!

If you could sum up The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald & The Goblin and the Grocer by Hans Christian Andersen (Annotated) in three words, what would they be?

Enchanting, Memorable, Entertaining

What did you like best about this story?

The fact that the Goblins aren't caricatures but feel real as does the Princess and Curdie! Even today!

Which scene was your favorite?

It's hard to say which was my favorite scene because they are all so good! I love the scene when Curdie is hiding from the Goblins and the scene when they come to the palace are high up there.

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

Yes. And I did, during a long drive from New York to Maine. My kids loved it - especially my teenage daughter who is a huge fantasy fan and was fascinated to hear this was the first great fantasy novel. She said "I can definitely see how it influenced Tolkein!"

Any additional comments?

A really special listen. I also loved the short story at the end! It was completely different but a really interesting companion piece to this famous classic.

Well Read and Similar to Narnia

Great voices, inflection and deep, entertaining story. Obviously not a cold read for Alison Larkin.

Hurray for Curdie!

This is a delightful tale of the princess Irene, her nursemaid, and a miner boy who save mankind...with the help of a fairy godmother, of sorts. I can definitely see the correlation between later fantasy stories by CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien.

I was especially drawn to Curdie, who was so steadfast and determined to save the princess at all costs, even going so far as to put himself in peril more than once. I liked how Curdie had parents who were supportive and that he could talk to about all the things he was going through and that he loved enough to listen to even when he was struggling to believe and understand what he was hearing.

The narration was fantastic, as always! Alison Larkin really has a gift for bringing classic tales to life. Her delivery is spot on and the way she is able to use subtle differences in tone or inflection to distinguish between the characters was quite good.

I received this audiobook for free through Audiobook Boom! in exchange for an honest review.

Fantastic Childrens Audiobook!!

What made the experience of listening to The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald & The Goblin and the Grocer by Hans Christian Andersen (Annotated) the most enjoyable?

Great story with a very good narrator it made for a truly enjoyable experience for people of all ages.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Curdy the Miners son. He was really very brave to be spying on the goblins and taking the fight to them when it came time. He rushed to the rescue of the Nurse with no thought of the danger to himself.

What about Alison Larkin’s performance did you like?

Ms. Larkin's performance was just perfect for this story. She did a great job of giving each character such life of their own. It was a fun audiobook to listen to I would love to share it with the family on a drive.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The battle in Kings home. The bravery of Curdy in freeing the knights from the goblins was really moving. This young boy just moved in with his stout heart and voice chanting his rhythms that the goblins fear, slashing his blade, and stomping on the goblins feet their only weak point.

Any additional comments?

"This review copy audiobook was provided by the author/narrator/publisher free of charge via Audiobook Boom."

Wonderful narrating!

I enjoyed this book as a child and apparently still do as a adult.
Great relaxing listen. The narrator is a true delight.

Magical narration of a great classic

Would you listen to The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald & The Goblin and the Grocer by Hans Christian Andersen (Annotated) again? Why?

I would! It took me back to a bygone era in a way few audiobooks can.

What other book might you compare The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald & The Goblin and the Grocer by Hans Christian Andersen (Annotated) to and why?

I would probably compare it to almost anything by Tolkein, who was strongly influenced by George Macdonald.

What about Alison Larkin’s performance did you like?

Her voice is very easy to listen to and makes the whole experience a delight. I really love the way she characterizes children and the goblins - she doesn't go over the top - she's completely believable.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When the lonely princess meets the old grandmother in the attic - and, of course, the end!

Any additional comments?

Outstanding narration of a great classic! George Macdonald was known as the father of fantasy - this is a must listen for children of all ages who love a good story - and anyone who loves fantasy novels, classic or modern!

Simply magical!

First off, I have never heard of these two fairy tales until now, and I must say that they are charming and not meant solely for children. These stories were written in the late 1800’s, and if you do pick up this audiobook (and you should) do expect the long and flowery language of that era. However, this book is not difficult to understand and follow along to. I particularly enjoyed the second tale but Hans Christian Andersen, but both tales are truly a pleasure to listen to because of Alison Larkin’s performance. It’s like she was meant to read fairy tales! This audiobook is a delightful addition to anyone’s collection, young or old.

I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.

Great Classic Story!

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

I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys magical stories and great amazing characters.

What other book might you compare The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald & The Goblin and the Grocer by Hans Christian Andersen (Annotated) to and why?

It's magical like the Little Princess or the Secret Garden

Have you listened to any of Alison Larkin’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is my first time with the narrator and she did an amazing job.

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

so many feelings, Love the characters and story.

Any additional comments?

Definitely recommend to read!!!

Wonderful classic fairy tale

A wonderful classic fairy tale. The whole feel of the writing style is very old. You can tell it was written in the 1800s. The writing style is different and not for everyone. Still enjoyable for fantasy or classic literature fans.

The narrator gave a good performance. Very enjoyable.

This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review.