Heart of Darkness

By: Joseph Conrad

Narrated by: Alan Munro

Although Heart of Darkness was one of the first literary texts to provide a critical view of European imperial activities, it was initially read by critics as anything but controversial. While the book was generally admired, it was typically seen either as a condemnation of a certain type of adventurer who could easily take advantage of imperialism’s opportunities, or else as a sentimental novel reinforcing domestic values: Kurtz’s Intended, who appears at the novella’s conclusion, was roundly praised by turn-of-the-century reviewers for her maturity and sentimental appeal. A classic.

Public Domain (P)2013 Trout Lake Media

terrible narrator

I don't stop listening to many books and I'll try to give even most dry ones a chance. This narrator just put me to sleep though.

Quite good

I didn't like it at first, but once I pushed passed it was really good. Definitely worth the read.

Pointless

This has a lot of dialogue but not much in the way of a plot, or a reason to like it.

I really wanted to enjoy this book...

I love the name and imagery of 19th century exploration of Africa it conjures up so I really wanted to enjoy this book. I didn't. It's slow and rambling. Full of existential waffle. It was a mission just to finish it. Try Blood River by Tim Butcher or Water Music by TC Boyle both much better.

Does it hold up?

I read this book as a young man and it made such an impression on my early world view. I remember disliking its racism 40 years ago but putting up with it because I found the narrative and writing to be so compelling. Now, I find its racist language and its hegemonic perspective nearly unbearable to listen to, despite many of its existential themes still being resonant. Would I want it taught to young people...would I recommend it to my children? I don’t think so. Also, the reader is a bit stodgy.

Great literature, poor narrator

I loved this book but this audio version voice just isn’t right. It lost the enigma for me and I found myself speeding through it.

Terrible narration - dont buy this version!

I probably would have given the book 3 stars anyway, as the story was not as fascinating, but zhanks to the narrator in the book which I had - Alan Munroe narrator, by Audible - was a disastrous experience. Pausing where not suitable, destroying suspence by fadness on the other hand. At times I thought he must have been doing three other things while reading.

Review of audiobook companion

I had purchased the audiobook by Kenneth Branagh with the Kindle version of the book that I read every year for my class. This year, I was not able to use that one in conjunction with the Kindle book, and so I was forced to buy this one instead. This reader reads the book as if he has never read it before and has no real idea what he is reading. The words are clear enough, but there is no emotion, subtlety, or expression. It might as well be a computer voice. I'm not sure why anyone thought this was an appropriate substitute for the excellent version by Branagh.

The HORROR, the horror...

Alan Munro has a buttery, velvety, pleasant voice... and for THIS story, it's a mismatch!

The story has amazing scenes and changes in tone, yet these lulls and peaks are lost in the monotone of the narrator.

I love the guy's voice, but his cadence and lack of performance really made this listening experience quite bland. Sorry, Munro, maybe it's just MY preferences, but your story-telling needs some panache!

Great Story, Poor Performance

Would you be willing to try another one of Alan Munro’s performances?

ONLY if it's a physics book.

Any additional comments?

The good story gets lost in the monotone performance of the narrator.