Moby Dick

By: Herman Melville

Narrated by: Philippe Duquenoy

Length: 21 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

Ishmael, a sailor looking for his next adventure, and his friend who happens to be a former prince, sign up to join a whaling ship in Nantucket. The morning before they set sail on their voyage, many ominous signs of what the pair's fate may be are seen and heard through sermon and prophecy as the two friends ignore the warnings and make their way to the docks.

Soon into the trip, the one-legged Captain Ahab announces that the whaling adventure is really a hunt for one very specific large, white sperm whale that took the Captain's leg and sunk his ship. Ahab also announces a contest, a gold doubloon for the first man to spot Moby Dick, the giant whale they are seeking. The crew pursues several whales that they believe could be the infamous Moby Dick, but they continue to turn up empty handed.

The sailors carry on in search of Moby Dick, among many other ships. Surviving through typhoon seas, they chance upon a boat that has been ravaged by none other than Moby Dick. The captain of the destroyed boat tells Ahab that the whale simply cannot be killed. Nevertheless, Ahab's crew sets off after the whale and finally spot him. After a three-day whale chase, Ahab's quest for vengeance turns into a tragedy for everyone involved.

Public Domain (P)2016 A.R.N. Publications

understandably a classic

I really struggled to finish this one. The writing is so old it's a bit hard to follow, and this particular performance could have conveyed more emotion. It felt a bit monotone at times. Finally got through it though, and I can understand how it's a classic.

White whale

This is as one would say long and drawn out. I never read it in school so I had the opt to do it. Punishment for those kids. I’m glad I did as l remembered the movie so well.

SUPERB IN EVERY WAY

Although not recommended to the impatient, lovers of literature, poetry and philosophy will be richly rewarded for their time. Additionally, they will learn an extraordinary amount about seafaring in general and whales and whaling in particular. This is a profound work about what it means to be human and it directly addresses important questions about free will and the nature of reality itself. I cannot think of an American work of fiction than can come close. Should be on everything thinking man's bucket list.

A bit challenging, but so worth it!

What made the experience of listening to Moby Dick the most enjoyable?

Masterful writing, a superb story and worldclass reading.

What other book might you compare Moby Dick to and why?

Comparable to any of the adventure classics like Jungle Book or Call of the Wild, although the writing is so brilliant I'm tempted to say it's in its own class.

Which scene was your favorite?

All scenes are masterfully rendered, which may be a challenge for the listening unused to such in-depth description. Don't give up too soon if you find it a bit challenging in the early going.

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

Provokes so many thoughts on the battles between good and evil and how the two are connected. From a historical perspective, it helped me respect a time and era that I hadn't ever given a second's thought.

Absolutely Amazing.

I've wanted to read this book for decades and am SO glad I LISTENED to it! I would have missed Melville's alliteration, and the magic of his writing that can only be revealed by listening to it. The reader, Philippe Duquenoy was fabulous. He read at a fast pace and was so engaging. What an experience. I highly recommend this version read by this reader.

There's a reason I read or listen to this book...

I read or listen to this book often. It's one of my favorites and it never gets old.

Wow

this epic novel builds slowly to a riveting and cataclysmic end. I would read again

Excellent narration.

If all you remember is the abbreviated version you read in high school the length of this may come as a surprise. Melville says in 100 words what could easily be told with but 10. Which is why I love it.

Great story! Great reader!

The best. Give yourself the gift, the joy. It’s really, really great. Great. Great. Great.

Why a Brit

I don’t understand what possessed the decision makers to choose a British voice actor to read what is arguably the quintessential great American novel. It seems you could have found an American to read this American novel.