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- Title: Princess and the Goblin (Version 2)
- Author: George MacDonald
- Narrator: Andy Minter
- Length: 05:11:00
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 01/01/2017
- Publisher: LibriVox
- Genre: Teen, Kids, Sci-Fi & Fantasy
- ISBN13: SABLIB9786277
It’s not every day you stumble upon a tale that feels like a lantern glowing softly in the dark, guiding you through a world both strange and familiar. That’s exactly what I found when I pressed play on “The Princess and the Goblin (Version 2)” by George MacDonald, narrated by Andy Minter. This audiobook experience, available for free through LibriVox, transported me to a realm of goblins, princesses, and hidden threads of courage – perfect for kids, teens, and anyone with a taste for sci-fi and fantasy that lingers like the scent of rain on desert stone.
The story unfolds like a journey through a misty mountain pass. Princess Irene, a young girl with a heart full of wonder, lives in a castle perched above a kingdom threatened by goblins plotting below. She’s joined by Curdie, a miner’s son whose bravery shines like a struck flint, and guided by her mysterious great-great-grandmother, a figure as ethereal as a whispered legend. It reminds me of a time when I was driving through the Atacama Desert in Chile, listening to “One Hundred Years of Solitude”. The surreal landscape outside my window – cracked earth stretching toward infinity – mirrored the magical realism in my ears. MacDonald’s tale carries that same enchanting pull, a blend of the real and the fantastical that makes you lean closer to the fire.
What struck me most were the themes woven through this fairy tale: facing fear, the quiet strength of innocence, and the trust that blooms when you can’t see the path ahead. Irene’s reliance on her unseen grandmother’s thread – a literal lifeline – echoes the faith I’ve seen in storytellers around the world. I think of a grandmother in Oaxaca who’d spin tales each evening, her voice rising and falling like a river over stones. She taught me that the best stories don’t just entertain; they plant something deep inside you. MacDonald does that here, showing how courage isn’t loud or brash – it’s the small, steady choice to keep going, even when goblins lurk in the shadows.
Andy Minter’s narration brings this world to life with a warmth that feels like a friend recounting a memory over coffee. His voice has a down-to-earth quality, steady and inviting, perfect for a tale meant to be heard rather than read. You can almost hear the creak of the castle floors, the drip of water in the goblin mines, the soft rustle of Irene’s dress as she follows that invisible thread. Minter’s pacing is spot-on, letting the tension build as Curdie uncovers the goblins’ plot, then easing into moments of quiet wonder – like Irene’s meetings with her grandmother. The audio quality, crisp and clear, enhances the listening experience, making this free audiobook a treasure worth digging for.
That said, it’s not without its quirks. The story’s moralistic tone, rooted in its 1872 origins, can feel a bit heavy-handed at times – like a well-meaning elder reminding you to mind your manners. Characters like Lootie, Irene’s nurse, sometimes serve more as lessons than people, highlighting belief and bravery by their absence. And while Minter’s narration is a delight, there were moments I wished for a touch more variation in his goblin voices to match their mischief. Still, these are small pebbles on an otherwise smooth road.
Compared to other fantasy classics, “The Princess and the Goblin” sits comfortably beside Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” – both blend whimsy with deeper truths. Yet MacDonald’s influence stretches further, touching C.S. Lewis’s Narnia and Tolkien’s Middle-earth with its moral clarity and imaginative sweep. It’s a story that feels timeless, a bridge between the fairy tales of old and the epic fantasies we love today.
For me, this audiobook sparked memories of my own adventures – nights under starlit skies, listening to tales that made the world feel bigger. I’d recommend it to anyone who craves a listening experience that’s both cozy and thrilling – parents sharing it with kids, teens diving into fantasy, or adults rediscovering the magic of childhood. It’s free, it’s enchanting, and it’s a reminder that the best stories don’t need to shout to be heard.
Reflecting on it now, I’m struck by how “The Princess and the Goblin” mirrors the journeys I’ve taken, both on the road and in my mind. It’s a tale of hidden histories and human connections, of finding light in the dark. George MacDonald and Andy Minter have crafted something special here – a free audiobook that’s as much a companion as it is a story. So grab your headphones, set out on this odyssey, and let it weave its spell.
Until our next tale unfolds, safe travels and happy listening,
Marcus Rivera
