The Snow Queen

By: Hans Christian Andersen

Narrated by: Julia Whelan

Length: 1 hr and 14 mins

Publisher's Summary

Audible's 2014 Narrator of the Year Julia Whelan performs one of Hans Christian Andersen's most beloved fairy tales, The Snow Queen. This classic tale is a fantastical fable of two dear friends - one of whom goes astray and is literally lost to the north woods, while the other undertakes an epic journey to rescue him. This charming, strange, and wonderful story is a timeless allegory about growing up and the challenges of staying true to one's self, and it served as the wintry inspiration for the blockbuster hit Frozen.

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Public Domain (P)2014 Audible Inc.

Strange & Fascinating

A Christmas/Winter freebie treat from Audible. Beautifully narrated by Julia Whelan. If you are like me and find fairy tales a deep and often scary labyrinth--this story won't disappoint. Seven short tales that connect in the end and captivate. Written in1844--this is a true classic which examines perception, point of view and constancy. A winner without question. Short, sweet and to the point.

Strange

Narration was fine, but I found the story itself was bizarre. I will not listen to it again or recommend it.

great

always loved this story, this version gave more info on the mirror, i loved it, it was great. my grandchild also enjoyed it very much, i know we will listen to it over and over.

ICYDK: this is a VERY Christian fairy tale

★ one very bewildered star

I was not expecting this to be religious. Spoiler alert: this is a *very* Christian fairy tale.

The genres listed on the main Goodreads page for the book made no mention of anything religious, just simply "fairy tale", "fantasy", "classic", "fiction" and the like. When recommended to me, it was supposed to be the story that inspired a Disney movie -- a winter story of friendship and love, not The Gospel According to Andersen.

I found The Snow Queen hard to follow, rambling, nonsensical and manipulative. Not even the great Julia Whelan could save this tale. I got this free from Audible several years ago, so I can't get my money back, but how about that hour I just wasted?

not so great stories but excellent narration

Maybe something was lost in translating these short, connected stories from their original Danish, but they are disjointed and really aren't very fun. However, the narration is excellent. I doubt this would be entertaining for children, too dark, and not very magical.

Boring

Ugh, this book was only an hour but it felt like an eternity. they claim this is the inspiration for Frozen but I'm not sure where they found that story in this one. I typically like fairy tales but this but bored the crap out of me. The narration was ok.

Couldn't Finish It

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

Someone who enjoys children books.

What could Hans Christian Andersen have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

Not written it.

What about Julia Whelan’s performance did you like?

Lots of emotion and a calming voice.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

I thought I had accidentally downloaded a children's book.

Snoozzer

This is not seven connected stories, it is seven chapters. It was also quite the snoozer. It may be free, but it is a waste of time.

Not for me

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

This was not the book for me I did not like the narrator and it was hard to follow the story. I would return the book but was free and it will not let me.

Would you ever listen to anything by Hans Christian Andersen again?

Maybe

Not My Style

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

Kids

What could Hans Christian Andersen have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

It just wasn't my style. It was fine for the audience he wrote it for.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

The characters all sounded the same.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Confusion. I didn't understand what was going on.

Any additional comments?

Just not my style.

Classic fairytale for Xmas

Would you listen to The Snow Queen again? Why?

Yes, it's an easy listen and something the whole family could listen to.

Any additional comments?

Classic fairy tale suitable for the whole family. An evil mirror breaks and a small piece enters a boy's heart making him run away with the snow queen. Loving friend sets out to find him with the help of talking crows and a princess. Very festive for the time of year. The MD of Audible introduces the tale with a thank you for being a customer, but Audible search facility needs improving as I only found this free gift via a helpful person posting search tips on the Internet.