Stanley Hauer

Good book--shameful reading

Reviewed: 09-30-11

This is a terrific book, full of interest and historical detail. But as other listeners have pointed out, the pronunciation errors are inexcusable. This guy simply butchers foreign names--and even English ones! The publisher should know better than to release such a shameful performance.

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2 people found this helpful

Awesome

Reviewed: 08-14-09

I have loved W&P since college--and that's a long time ago. I've read it, I suppose, twenty times. But never have I enjoyed it quite so much as in this splendid reading. Neville Jason is a genius. (And, duh, so is Tolstoy.) Highly recommended.

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65 people found this helpful

Wonderful!

Reviewed: 04-11-09

I loved every minute of it. The reader is very engaging (though his French isn't particularly good). I really had a good time.

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1 person found this helpful

A true classic

Reviewed: 07-09-08

I first heard this recording when I was an undergraduate some forty years ago. It made a Shakespeare-lover out of me for life. Now that I encounter it again, I find it every bit as moving as before. I've seen King Lear many times on the stage, but no performance has ever moved me as the memory of this audio did. If you've a budding Shakespearean in your family, buy this audio as the best Christmas or birthday present he or she will ever receive. Scofield's performance is simply one of the best ever preserved for us.

Okay, have I made my point? Spend this ten bucks; you'll not regret it.

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12 people found this helpful

Soundtrack of the film

Reviewed: 07-08-08

This is the soundtrack to the 1964 version released for a few days to cinemas. Lady Burton allowed this recording to be made; just a few years ago the film itself was licensed and released. Contemporary with the stage performance, however, was an uncut audio performance of the complete play which I enjoyed much as a young man. (It included, for example, the scene with Fortinbras's army, cut here.) Frankly, that's what I was hoping this was. but it's not. The performance is cut, as all stage versions must be. It's more "dramatic" (i.e., louder) than the audio version as I recall itand less subtle.

Still, don't hesitate to purchase this release. Burton's is a very great Hamlet, one that must be seen/heard. If you've got the video, as I do, you have this performance already. If you don't, it's merely a choice of format (though the video version isn't particularly interesting visually). It's a full-blooded, visceral performance, recommended heartily.

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5 people found this helpful

Long but good

Reviewed: 05-30-08

Well, I finally finished it! I had read this book 40 years ago when I was in high school, and I thought it might make a good listen. I was partially right. Rand never settles for a paragraph when she can take a page. The sex scenes are just plain embarrassing. But the plot still holds up and makes a strong thematic impact.

If you're new to Ayn Rand, I'd consider starting with "The Fountainhead," a novel which is a bit more manageable. Audible has a good narration of it.

Still, if you've the time--lost of time--give this book a listen.

BTW, I would second the issue raised by some listeners: the disturbing second voice in the background. I'm noticing this trait in more and more books that I listen to. I wish the recording companies would be more careful.

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6 people found this helpful

High adventure

Reviewed: 08-16-07

Yes, it's racist. But that's merely a reflection of the time and culture in which this splendid book was written. I loved this book as a boy. Encountering it again is like finding a long-lost friend. The reader is most engaging.

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2 people found this helpful

Yup, a delight

Reviewed: 06-25-07

Robert is right-on. Sheer delight. The reader makes this wonderful book even more alive than on the page. If you like early Dickens, this audiobook is a must.

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25 people found this helpful

A memorable adventure

Reviewed: 06-24-07

I had not read this book since high school, some forty years ago. How many memories this audiobook brought back! The reader is a genius. Highly recommended.

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Here's Paula!

Reviewed: 06-01-07

I liked this book and am especially I got it in audio format. Paula's distinctive Southern accent is a vital part of her personality, and it just doesn't come across on the page as it does for real here.

The book flags rather badly in its last quarter, after the success of The Lady and Sons (her restaurant) and her TV shows. She just runs out of material to write/talk about. But until then the book is very entertaining--I laughed out loud many times.

You'll learn a lot about Paula Deen you didn't expect. I never thought about Paula having a sex life, for example . . . (She does!)

Anyway, I recommend it to lovers of her show.

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6 people found this helpful