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Robinson Crusoe

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Robinson Crusoe

By: Daniel Defoe
Narrated by: Simon Vance
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About this listen

 Widely regarded as the first English novel, Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe is one of the most popular and influential adventure stories of all time.

This classic tale of shipwreck and survival on an uninhabited island was an instant success when first published in 1719, and it has inspired countless imitations.

In his own words, Robinson Crusoe tells of the terrible storm that drowned all his shipmates and left him marooned on a deserted island. Forced to overcome despair, doubt, and self-pity, he struggles to create a life for himself in the wilderness. From practically nothing, Crusoe painstakingly learns how to make pottery, grow crops, domesticate livestock, and build a house. His many adventures are recounted in vivid detail, including a fierce battle with cannibals and his rescue of Friday, the man who becomes his trusted companion.

Full of enchanting detail and daring heroics, Robinson Crusoe is a celebration of courage, patience, ingenuity, and hard work.

Public Domain (P)2008 Tantor Action & Adventure Classics Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Sea Adventures Adventure Feel-Good
All stars
Most relevant  
I liked the narrator and the clear and matter of fact way he read the story

Well read

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Such a great read/listen. I can see why it is a classic. Well read too.

excellent listen

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I really enjoyed the language used and the pace and structure of the story.

There was some repetition, sometimes in the same chapter that could have been edited out. Perhaps the story was serialised in a periodical and this was by design to refreshthe readersmemory?

It was difficult listening to the attitudes towards the native populations and the white persons rghte to subjugate so matter of fact, and rejoiced when Robinson got shipwrecked on a voyage to go to Africa to steal some slaves to work his plantation.

The narrator was excellent.

An engaging story dated by changing attitudes

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Robinson Crusoe is an evocative novel about man’s triumph against nature in the face of wavering hope and seemingly impossible odds. It inspires a sense of adventure and espouses the value of gratitude, perseverance and ingenuity.

Though among the oldest works in English literature, Crusoe’s role as a castaway on a deserted island lends it a certain timeless quality; the very setting is necessarily primitive and therefore feels authentic. Much of its first two thirds involve slow, meticulous action by its protagonist to survive and thrive through his predicament. While some might find that dull and repetitive, it captures the methodical and monotonous struggle of survival. The narrative frequently ruminates on themes of religion and providence, and while its proselytising might feel overwhelming to modern readers, it feels earned and natural in the context of a man grappling with profound loneliness and existential despair.

While the action picks up in its final third, the trade-off for such is that the natural jeopardy and isolation of its opening fades. Further, many of the elements that a modern audience may find problematic primarily exist toward this ending.

Though undoubtedly dated in many respects, Robinson Crusoe is a pioneer in every sense.

The Male Fantasy

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I really liked it and my favorite bit was when he got Friday. I'm proud.

it's really interesting

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This has not aged well is some respects, but also, it is a very very old story, and one worth listening to, however, there is talk of buying and selling slaves, killing animals for sport, and a lot of Christian belief systems.
All of it is relevant to the text though, and overall, Robinson Crusoe proved to be a very adventurous story. Keeping in mind that this is set in the 1600's; the only thing i really didn't agree with was the use of slavery and the mistreatment of animals, which is why i gave the story 4 stars. But as i mentioned, it is relevant to the story and plot line and fits with the laws and regulations of the time period.
But still, ew.

Original new world adventure, set in the distant past

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Excellent book by Daniel Defoe. Bring old memories from childhood. Beautiful classic. Recommend to everyone. Excellent performance by Simon Vance. Thanks

Thanks for the beautiful book

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While the narration was good I felt like the relevance of such a story finishes with every passing year. A classic though so definitely worth a listen.

A one time listen

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