Candide (AudioGO Edition)

By: Voltaire

Narrated by: Jack Davenport

Length: 3 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's summary

Candide, published simultaneously in five European capitals in 1759, became an instant best seller and is now regarded as one of the key texts of the Enlightenment. Voltaire’s preoccupations with evil and with various kinds of human folly and intolerance found a perfect vehicle in the philosophical tale. A master storyteller, he combined often wildly entertaining action with profoundly serious sense, parodying the traditional chivalric and oriental tales with which his public was more familiar to create a witty allegory of a young man whose optimism gives way to disillusionment after a series of terrible misfortunes.

Public Domain (P)2010 AudioGo

A good listen

Always good to read the classics. An interesting tale that helps one appreciate the journey in which life takes us. The good and the bad got us to where we find ourselves today.

Almost nothing written today compares with the classics.

This novel is so brilliantly clever and hysterically funny. Almost nothing written today compares. Jack Davenport’s character voices are a laugh riot.

very easy to listen to but hard to understand

well worth the time. very interesting story in the way it weaves through time and choices.

Jesus

First half was great but after el dorado… Jesus. Ending was pretty good tho but not worth the journey getting there.

Very pleasant experience

Great educational dialogue. Voltaire is really a man of knowledge, understanding, and a great storyteller.

You must!

It’s a must listen! Because of the narrators masterful tone, I’d venture to guess it’s better served on audio than in written word. Completely hilarious and enjoyable!

Voltaire's Candide well told classic

Where does Candide (AudioGO Edition) rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Candide ranks fairly high on the list. It is what it is, enjoyable story with its ironic absurdities and yet it has the ability to make you think.

What other book might you compare Candide (AudioGO Edition) to and why?

This story really is incomparable with anything I have read. I think what I like about it is that it is so different from my usual choice of literature. I seemed to keep waiting to see what misfortune the poor Candide would walk into next and wondered how long the poor fellow could keep up his optimism or if he simply was just "that" naive!

Which scene was your favorite?

My favorite scene was when he realized his lady love was still alive and well and upon realization they both fainted!

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

hard to really pin down one spot, as there were several moments that ran a gambit of emotions from annoyance to disgust to humor. It was just simply a fun read.

Any additional comments?

It has been years since I have read Candide and it was well worth listening to Jack Davenport tell the tale. It was a very enjoyable listen.

Amazing and hilarious

Loved the fast pace, satirical humor, and jabs at particular philosophies. The narrator was perfect

amusing and witty

this classic is amusing and witty, and the droll performance sets exactly the right tone for it. there were definitely some snigger-inducing moments. after a couple of hours it became a bit much of a muchness. there's only so much insanely unlikely misfortune (and the inevitable complaining and sighing the comes with it) that one can stand. happily, the punchline at the end was very satisfying, so I came away feeling quite content with the story.

Superb Reading

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The narrator couldn't possibly have been any better. I read it in two chunks and loved every minute. What a versatile voice actor. Loved him in Coupling and wasn't remotely disappointed here. A surprisingly fun frolic for such an old book. So frantic the action and so colourful the characters you might think you were reading a comic book at times. Very highly recommended. Will buy anything Davenport reads from now on.