Robinson Crusoe (version 2)
Daniel Defoe
Read by Mark F. Smith
Shipwrecked and castaway, Daniel DeFoe’s hard-luck character is still the standard for “growing where you’re planted.” Captured by pirates, he makes his break in a small boat and undergoes desperate adventures before winning his way back to civilization. But Crusoe proves willing to chance his luck a second time when, after sweating his way to prosperity as a planter in Brazil, he undertakes a voyage that isn’t needful… and is marooned on a small island off South America.
Crusoe shows the value of single-minded labor as he pursues ways to feed, shelter, and clothe himself. His ardent wish is to escape his island – why is it that the only people who come there are cannibals? But he spends more than two decades in isolation before acquiring a sidekick – the man Friday you’ve probably heard of. And who would guess his way to salvation would depend on leading a last-ditch fight against a shipful of mutineers?
For other castaway stories inspired by “Robinson Crusoe”, listen to “The Swiss Family Robinson” (http://snipurl.com/swiss_family) and “The Mysterious Island” (http://snipurl.com/mysterious_island). (Summary by Mark F. Smith) (11 hr 24 min)
Chapters
Reviews
I'm a big Mark Smith Fan
Steve Colby
I read this book two or three times in my lifetime and never have I enjoyed it as much as this. There is something about an audio book that allows you to close your eyes and visualize thus eliminating the use of one of your senses. I am able to get a much better mental picture without using my tired old eyes to read the words. Mr. Mark Smith is one of the very best readers. Because of him I have read books that I otherwise would never have read. 5 stars to this old classic and to Mark Smith.
Good read, great narrator
A LibriVox Listener
Mark F. Smith deserves special praise for his clear and beautifully paced reading of this book. it's an enjoyable read, but occasionally bogs down with lengthy musings on the religious meanings of each occurrence. Nonetheless, the basic story of riches to rags to riches and survival against all odds is timeless.
Adventure and philosphic musings
hear&Now
Robinson Crusoe's father counseled him to "seek the middle way", to be content with a settled and steady way of life. But Crusoe's restless nature lands him in one misadventure after another. Defoe moralizes a bit on his hero's foibles, and all in all, it makes for a great listen, well read by Mark Smith.
multiple shipwrecks, kidnapping, & castaway
jaded_grl
this is one of my favorite readers. i have listened to many of his reads. he always does a fantastic job. first, i think this maybe a shortened version (yes it is still long). i read this years ago as a child and there are some things i remember very well that were not in this version, trivial - like where he found clay, but still thought i would mention it. the main character starts his cursed sea life as a child and by 26 still has not learned that it is not his place in life to be at sea (he's a jonah, someone that brings ill luck to a voyage). so after those misadventures are relayed to the reader he comes to the island (as a very fortunate castaway who is well provided for). you won't learn any survival tricks or crafts from this book because all is very vague as to how he accomplishes some things, except his fence/wall. but its still interesting to see the character learn from his life choices and how he applies his new inner feelings to dealing with the cannibals and mutineers. an okay read for anyone
Bravo from Borneo
Lord Jim
How wonderfully surprising to find out that the original book is so much more complex than the films and TV series I had seen over the years. Mark Smith...as usual...does an exceptional job with the narration...my favourite narrator. It is deep in the philosophical reflections of a man who now has time to consider how he had managed his life. I also really enjoyed the English used and the turn of phrases employed...this book was written 300 years ago and is rich in its language. I'm so pleased I did not pass this book by believing I knew what it would yield. I would have been so wrong to chart that course as I would not have missed out on such a fantastic story of survival and a glimpse at life in the late 1600s. Highly recommend.
Mark is magnificent!
44blue
I loved the book ( except the last chapter). The reading was excellent. Robinson's hard work, labor, ingenuity, and his introspection and repentance, were inspiring. Also, it was interesting to learn how common slaves were, and that the Moors ran the biggest slave markets. (But, oh my, that bear... ) A book from a different era; extremely interesting! Superb.
Great story, excellent reading!
SK
A detailed account very well read. Mr. Mark Smith - thank you! Your Friday accent was endearing in a funny way!
Great Reading of a Pretty Good Book
A LibriVox Listener
This is a very well done reading. The best i I've heard from Libravox yet.