Audiobook Sample
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- Title: Cinderella
- Author: Charles Perrault
- Narrator: Michael Scott
- Length: 00:18:00
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 01/01/2006
- Publisher: Thought Audio
- Genre: Fiction & Literature, Fairy Tales & Folklore
- ISBN13: SABTAXX978086
It’s a rare treat to sit down with a tale as timeless as Charles Perrault’s “Cinderella”, especially when it’s brought to life through the warm, steady voice of Michael Scott in this free audiobook from Thought Audio. The story unfolds like a dusty path through a familiar village, one I’ve wandered many times before, yet it still surprises me with its quiet power. As a travel writer who’s spent years chasing narratives across continents, I’ve come to see “Cinderella” not just as a fairy tale, but as a map of human resilience – a story that echoes in the marketplaces of Marrakech, the kitchens of Oaxaca, and the windswept dunes of the Atacama Desert.
The first time I truly connected with an audiobook was years ago, driving through Chile’s Atacama Desert with Gabriel García Márquez’s “One Hundred Years of Solitude” filling the car. The narrator’s voice wove magic into the surreal landscape, and I felt like I was hearing a tale told by firelight. Listening to “Cinderella” narrated by Michael Scott stirred a similar memory – of evenings in Oaxaca, where a grandmother’s voice would rise and fall, spinning stories with the rhythm of a heartbeat. Scott’s narration has that same intimate quality, a down-to-earth steadiness that makes you feel like he’s sitting across from you, recounting the tale over a cup of coffee. It’s a short listen – barely 18 minutes – but it’s packed with the kind of emotional texture that lingers.
Perrault’s “Cinderella”, first penned in 1697, is a cornerstone of fairy tale folklore, a story of a young woman who rises from ashes to royalty through kindness, forgiveness, and a touch of magic. You can almost hear the creak of the wooden floor as Cinderella sweeps, the sharp laughter of her stepsisters cutting through the air. The tale hinges on transformation – both the dazzling makeover by her fairy godmother and the deeper shift from servitude to agency. It’s Good versus Evil in its simplest form, with Good rewarded after a gauntlet of trials. But what strikes me most is how Perrault leans into external beauty as Cinderella’s ticket to freedom – those glass slippers and that gown – while still letting her inner virtue shine through her quiet endurance.
Scott’s performance elevates this classic. His voice is warm and measured, with just enough gravitas to make the fairy godmother’s arrival feel like a gust of wind through an open window. He doesn’t overplay the drama – there’s no cartoonish cackle for the stepmother or syrupy sweetness for Cinderella – but instead lets the story breathe. You can almost taste the dust on her rags and hear the clatter of the carriage wheels as she races from the ball. The audio quality is crisp, though it lacks the full-cast dramatics or sound effects of some modern adaptations. For a free audiobook, it’s a gem – simple, direct, and perfectly suited to the tale’s brevity.
That said, the story isn’t flawless. Perrault’s focus on Cinderella’s beauty as her salvation can feel dated, even shallow, especially when compared to the Brothers Grimm’s darker, grittier version where virtue and retribution take center stage. I’ve always found the Grimm tale’s raw edge – like the stepsisters’ mutilated feet – more compelling than Perrault’s polished elegance. And while forgiveness is a key theme here (Cinderella pardons her stepsisters in the end), it’s delivered with such a light touch that it risks feeling perfunctory. Still, there’s something universal in her journey – a hope that resonates whether you’re listening in a desert car or a bustling city apartment.
The audiobook experience shines brightest in its intimacy. Scott’s narration feels like a conversation, pulling you into Cinderella’s world with a storyteller’s ease. It reminds me of those Oaxaca nights, where the grandmother’s pauses were as powerful as her words. But I did miss a bit of flair – some music or ambient sounds could’ve heightened the magic of the ball or the midnight escape. For a free listen, though, it’s hard to complain. The duration – 0.0125 days, or 18 minutes – makes it a perfect companion for a short commute or a quiet moment with tea.
Compared to other fairy tales, “Cinderella” sits comfortably alongside Perrault’s own “Sleeping Beauty”, both tales of transformation sparked by external forces. Disney’s version, of course, polishes it into a romantic gloss, while the Grimm rendition digs into the muck of human cruelty. I’d argue Perrault’s take is the most optimistic – less about punishment, more about rising above. It’s a story that’s traveled the world, from French salons to global folklore, and this audiobook keeps that spirit alive.
Who’s this for? Anyone who loves fairy tales and folklore will find something here, especially if you’re after a quick, free audiobook experience. It’s ideal for dreamers, for those who see hope in small acts of kindness, or for parents wanting to share a classic with their kids. If you’re a fan of lush productions, you might want more bells and whistles, but Scott’s narration carries it with grace.
Reflecting on it now, “Cinderella” feels like a roadside encounter – a brief, vivid moment that stays with you. It’s not the deepest tale I’ve explored, but it’s one that keeps whispering back, reminding me of the power in perseverance. Whether I’m tracing stories through distant lands or sitting still with a pair of headphones, it’s a reminder that even the humblest paths can lead somewhere extraordinary.
Until our next tale unfolds, happy listening,
Marcus Rivera
