Audiobook Sample
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- Title: Around the World in 80 Days
- Author: Jules Verne
- Narrator: Jim Dale
- Length: 07:54:00
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 12/04/2005
- Publisher: Listening Library (Audio)
- Genre: Fiction & Literature, Literary Fiction, Action & Adventure, Classics
- ISBN13: 9.78E+12
There’s something magical about revisiting a classic through the medium of audio, especially when the narrator is as gifted as Jim Dale. Jules Verne’s “Around the World in 80 Days” has been a companion of mine since childhood – first as a tattered paperback I carried through train stations in Europe, later as a dog-eared college textbook, and now as an audiobook that accompanies me on my own global wanderings. This latest encounter, narrated by the incomparable Dale, felt like rediscovering an old friend who had somehow grown wiser and more vibrant with time.
“”The Story That Never Ages””
Verne’s 1873 adventure needs little introduction – the meticulous Phileas Fogg’s audacious wager to circumnavigate the globe in eighty days remains one of literature’s most enduring premises. What struck me during this listening experience was how contemporary the story feels. As someone who’s spent years documenting cultural intersections, I marveled at Verne’s prescient understanding of globalization’s rhythms. The novel unfolds like a meticulously planned itinerary where every delay and shortcut carries emotional weight – a quality Dale’s narration amplifies beautifully.
“”Jim Dale’s Masterful Performance””
Dale, best known for his Grammy-winning narration of the Harry Potter series, brings astonishing range to this production. His Fogg is all clipped British precision, while Passepartout bursts with Gallic enthusiasm – each accent so distinct I could visualize the characters. I found myself chuckling aloud during a layover in Dubai when Passepartout’s misadventures were rendered with such comic timing that nearby travelers gave me curious looks. Dale particularly shines in the Indian section, where his narration of the Aouda rescue scene had me holding my breath despite knowing the outcome – proof of great storytelling’s timeless power.
“”A Personal Resonance””
Listening to Fogg’s journey transported me to my own 2018 attempt to retrace his route (albeit with modern conveniences). When Dale described the chaotic energy of Suez, I smelled the cardamom-laced coffee from a Cairo street vendor; as Fogg raced across the American plains, I felt the same exhilaration I’d experienced watching Wyoming’s endless horizons from a cross-country train. Verne’s genius lies in making readers feel they’re packing their bags alongside the protagonists – an effect magnified by audio’s intimacy.
“”Thematic Depth in Audio Form””
What surprised me most was how the audiobook format highlighted subtle themes often overlooked in print. The rhythmic cadence of train travel sequences becomes almost meditative, while Fix’s persistent accusations gain new menace through Dale’s vocal shading. The novel’s commentary on British imperialism – particularly during the Hong Kong and India sections – lands differently when heard aloud, perhaps because oral storytelling has always been humanity’s vehicle for uncomfortable truths.
“”A Few Considerations””
Purists should note this is an unabridged version running just under 8 hours – the pacing feels brisk compared to modern audiobooks, though this suits Verne’s propulsive narrative. Some might wish for musical accents between chapters (absent here), but Dale’s vocal artistry fills the space admirably. The only minor quibble: certain French pronunciations lean theatrical, though this aligns with the story’s playful spirit.
“”For Whom This Journey Calls””
This rendition will delight:
– Armchair travelers craving escapism
– Parents introducing classics to young listeners (Dale’s energy captivates all ages)
– Commuters needing engrossing distraction
– Literature lovers analyzing narrative craft
– Anyone who’s ever dreamed of dropping everything to chase an improbable adventure
“”Final Impressions””
Like sharing maté with Argentine gauchos or listening to monsoon stories in Kerala, some experiences gain depth through sharing. Jim Dale’s narration transforms “Around the World in 80 Days” from solitary reading into communal storytelling – the way Verne himself might have first imagined it. Whether you’re a first-time explorer or a seasoned traveler like Fogg, this audiobook promises passage to that magical realm where determination, curiosity, and the human spirit conquer all clocks.
With a well-stamped passport and dog-eared pages,
Marcus Rivera
