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Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance (Dramatised) cover art

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance (Dramatised)

By: Robert M. Pirsig, Peter Flannery
Narrated by: James Purefoy, full cast
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Publisher's Summary

An odyssey into life’s challenging questions during an unforgettable summer motorcycle trip

Acclaimed as one of the most exciting books in the history of American letters, Robert M. Pirsig’s Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance became an instant bestseller upon its publication in 1974. A powerful examination of how we live, as well as a breath-taking meditation on how to live better, it tells the epic story of a father and son’s motorcycle trip across America’s Northwest in the 1960s.

Pirsig’s modern classic transformed a generation and continues to inspire millions of readers today. Dramatised for radio for the first time by Peter Flannery (Our Friends in the North, George Gently, The Devil’s Whore), this fantastic full-cast production stars James Purefoy (Rome, Injustice, Ironclad) and adds a new and original dimension to an iconic work. Following a father and his young son on their cross-country summer adventure from Minnesota to California, it is a story of love, fear, growth, discovery and acceptance. Both personal and philosophical, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance is also a compelling study of relationships, values, enlightenment and meaning.

The maintenance of the motorcycle throughout the journey illustrates how to unify the cold, rational realm of technology with the warm, imaginative realm of artistry. Resonating with the confusions and the wonders of existence, the narrator wrestles with some of the most important philosophical questions of the 20th century. His need to also reconcile his past and present selves drives him and his son forward, to a point where all is either lost or won on the Chautauqua spiritual journey.

This audio edition includes a bonus 10 minutes of material that was not broadcast on the radio.

NB: the recording contains strong language.

Production credits
Author: Robert M. Pirsig
Dramatist: Peter Flannery
Original music: Jon Nicholls
Sound Design: Eloise Whitmore
Producer: Melanie Harris

A Sparklab production for BBC Radio 4.

©2012 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2012 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

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What listeners say about Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance (Dramatised)

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This is immersive.

I've listened to this piece after I was done with the original text, but it can be well enjoyed on its own. In comparison, the plot has had some rearrangements and has been made compact to create this abridged edition. It is still much more than a typical audiobook. And, by the way, the best narration I've ever come along.

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5 people found this helpful

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    1 out of 5 stars

Disappointing dramatisation

Any additional comments?

This dramatisation completely destroys the purpose and story of the original book.I really loved the book and was very disappointed with this audible book. If you have not read the book you should not listen to this audible dramatisation

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4 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Gets to the point but misses the language

Narration was great, but there was a lot left out from the actual book which I found disappointing. The message is still there though, if not a little short.

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3 people found this helpful

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For modern day mystics, travellers, finders

Great book, it was an experience. If you love motorcycles and ride alone sometimes, you will understand the spirituality of the experience and the joy of listening to yourself as the Fedras in the book did. Loved it.

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2 people found this helpful

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Not for me

I have listen to this book in full to realise that I’ve listened to this book before and returned it. Which is funny considering the context of the story. It’s a firm not for me twice now.

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2 people found this helpful

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Quality Experience

A 'Quality' experience of meaning and purpose, objectivity and subjectivity, and the beauty behind things.

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1 person found this helpful

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    2 out of 5 stars
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Read the book instead...

Dramatised narration is atrocious, I almost could not complete it. A lot of important content is missing, spend your time and money elsewhere.

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More of a radio play than an audiobook

If you don't like overly produced audio productions, avoid this one. I listen to books while running and productions like this get on my nerves (ironic considering the subject), especially the sound of pubescent boys screeching in my ears. I found this to be very short considering the full price too.

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Not what you think

Oops, made a mistake here. Not the book, a strange play that misses the point.

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Not a good representation of the book

Unfortunately it’s not the book.
Like a film it’s great entertainment however a lot of detail is missing.

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