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  • Title: Alchemist
  • Author: Ben Jonson
  • Narrator: Various Readers
  • Length: 03:08:00
  • Version: Abridged
  • Release Date: 01/01/2011
  • Publisher: LibriVox
  • Genre: Audio Theatre, Drama
  • ISBN13: SABLIBX978690
Hey everyone! Sophie Bennett here, ready to dive into another audiobook adventure with you all. Today, we’re exploring a classic that’s as sharp and relevant today as it was in the 17th century—Ben Jonson’s *The Alchemist*.

When I first hit play on the LibriVox production of *The Alchemist*, narrated by Various Readers, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’ve always been drawn to stories that explore the darker, more mischievous sides of human nature, and this play delivers in spades. The story follows Jeremy, a butler turned con artist, who teams up with Subtle and Dol Common to swindle a series of gullible victims during a plague outbreak in London. It’s a wild ride of deception, greed, and social satire that feels eerily familiar in our modern world of scams and get-rich-quick schemes.

Let’s break this down: Jonson’s play is a masterclass in wit and character study. The trio of con artists—Subtle, Face, and Dol—are as flawed as they are cunning, and their schemes are both hilarious and horrifying. The play’s exploration of human weakness, particularly our susceptibility to false promises, struck a chord with me. It reminded me of my podcast episode on *Project Hail Mary*, where I compared different ways of experiencing a story. Just as the audiobook version of *Project Hail Mary* brought the alien language to life through sound design, the multi-voice narration of *The Alchemist* adds a layer of theatricality that enhances the text’s comedic and dramatic elements.

The cultural impact here is significant. Jonson’s satire of greed and gullibility is timeless, and the play’s themes resonate deeply in our current era of viral scams and digital deception. The LibriVox production, with its various narrators, captures the play’s energetic and chaotic spirit. Each character’s voice is distinct, adding depth to Jonson’s already vivid personalities. Sir Epicure Mammon’s grandiose dreams of wealth and eternal youth are delivered with just the right mix of pomp and delusion, while the Puritan duo of Ananias and Tribulation Wholesome are hilariously self-righteous.

Now, as someone who’s always on the lookout for innovative storytelling formats, I appreciated how this audiobook leverages the strengths of audio theatre. The interplay between the narrators creates a dynamic listening experience that feels like a live performance. It’s a reminder of how audio can breathe new life into classic texts, making them accessible and engaging for contemporary audiences.

That said, the production isn’t without its limitations. The audio quality varies slightly between narrators, which can be a bit jarring at times. And while the multi-voice approach works well for the most part, some listeners might prefer a single narrator for a more cohesive experience. Still, these minor issues don’t detract from the overall enjoyment of the audiobook.

Comparing *The Alchemist* to other works in the satire genre, it’s clear that Jonson’s play stands out for its sharp wit and intricate plotting. It shares thematic similarities with Molière’s *The Misanthrope* and Oscar Wilde’s *The Importance of Being Earnest*, but its focus on the London underworld and the historical context of alchemy gives it a unique flavor.

So, who should listen to this audiobook? If you’re a fan of sharp social commentary, intricate plots, and larger-than-life characters, *The Alchemist* is a must-listen. And the fact that it’s available for free on LibriVox makes it an easy choice for anyone looking to explore classic literature in a fresh format.

Before I wrap up, I want to reflect on how this audiobook reminded me of the power of storytelling across different mediums. Just as the audiobook version of *The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo* deepened my understanding of the characters through the narrator’s voice choices, *The Alchemist* demonstrates how audio can enhance the comedic and dramatic elements of a play. It’s a testament to the enduring relevance of Jonson’s work and the potential of audiobooks to bring classic texts to new audiences.

That’s it for today’s review, folks! As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts on *The Alchemist* or any other audiobooks you’ve been enjoying. Drop a comment or hit me up on BookTok—let’s keep the conversation going. Until next time, happy listening!
Sophie Bennett