Audiobook Sample
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- Title: Velveteen Rabbit (Version 2)
- Author: Margery Williams
- Narrator: LibriVox Volunteers
- Length: 0.015833333
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 01-Jan
- Publisher: LibriVox
- Genre: Kids, General
- ISBN13: SABLIB9789197
There are some stories that feel less like mere words on a page and more like tender whispers from childhood—echoes of innocence, longing, and the transformative power of love. Margery Williams’ *The Velveteen Rabbit*, first published in 1922, is one such story. Listening to the LibriVox Volunteers’ narration of *The Velveteen Rabbit (Version 2)* feels like being wrapped in a warm blanket on a chilly day, reminded of the simple joys that shaped us as children.
The story itself unfolds like a gentle lullaby. It tells the tale of a stuffed rabbit who dreams of becoming “real” through the love of a child. The themes of acceptance, transformation, and the enduring magic of unconditional love resonate universally. As I listened, I was transported back to a moment from my own childhood. I couldn’t help but think of a faded teddy bear that sat on the corner of my bed for years, its worn-out fur and patched seams evidence of countless adventures. I remember the way I clutched it tightly on long car rides, finding comfort in its presence. This audiobook reminded me of those days—the way love can imbue even the simplest of objects with meaning.
The narration, performed by LibriVox Volunteers, carries a unique charm. This recording is read by a mother and daughter duo, adding an intimate and familial quality to the listening experience. Their voices complement each other beautifully—one warm and steady, the other youthful and bright. You can almost hear the love they poured into the project, making it feel less like a professional production and more like a bedtime story shared within a close-knit family. It reminded me of evenings spent in Oaxaca, where a grandmother would gather us around and weave enchanting tales by the glow of a flickering lamp. The best narrators, much like her, draw you in as if you’re sitting right there in their living room.
However, this audiobook does come with some limitations. As the narration is performed by volunteers and offered for free, it lacks the polished sound quality of studio-produced recordings. The audio can feel uneven at times, and the pacing occasionally wavers. While this may not bother those who appreciate the grassroots, heartfelt nature of LibriVox projects, listeners accustomed to high-end productions may find it distracting.
Another aspect worth noting is the brevity of the recording—it’s just under an hour. While this is true to the story’s original length, those unfamiliar with *The Velveteen Rabbit* may be surprised by how quickly it wraps up. Yet, for me, its compactness only added to its charm. It felt like a jewel-sized gift, perfectly proportioned for a quiet afternoon of reflection.
Comparing this audiobook to other renditions of *The Velveteen Rabbit*, I find this version uniquely endearing. While professional narrators may bring more technical finesse, the amateur, heartfelt approach of the LibriVox Volunteers evokes a sense of authenticity—a reminder that, much like the rabbit himself, imperfection can be the very thing that makes something real.
I would recommend this audiobook to parents looking for a bedtime story to share with their children, to nostalgic adults seeking a reminder of simpler days, and to anyone who believes in the transformative magic of love. If you’ve ever cherished a stuffed toy, or if you’ve ever wondered what it means to be “real,” this story is for you.
As I listened to the final words of the story, I couldn’t help but feel a tug at my heartstrings. It reminded me of the time I drove through the Atacama Desert in Chile, listening to an audiobook of *One Hundred Years of Solitude*. Just as García Márquez’s magical realism mirrored the surreal beauty of the desert landscape, *The Velveteen Rabbit* mirrored the deep yearning we all carry—to be seen, loved, and made real by those who matter most.
In closing, I encourage you to take an hour out of your busy day, perhaps sit by a window or curl up in your favorite chair, and let this audiobook remind you of the beauty in simplicity and the power of love. After all, it’s not the fanciest or newest toys that matter—it’s the ones we truly love that become real.
Warmly,
Marcus Rivera
Warmest regards,
