Candide Audiobook By Francois Voltaire cover art

Candide

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Candide

By: Francois Voltaire
Narrated by: Tom Whitworth
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This is the tale of the happy but ill-fated Candide and his progressive disillusionment with the idea that we live in the best of all possible worlds. His tutor, Dr. Pangloss, embodies this philosophy of good cheer, even in the face of ever more absurd misfortunes. Luckily, Candide's other companions provide an over-supply of good sense.

Translated by T. Smollett.

©1991 Joss Recordings (P)2002 Tantor Media, Inc. Classics Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Literature & Fiction Satire Fiction Comedy

Editorial reviews

Tom Whitworth delivers an exceptional performance of the satirical 1759 novel Candide by the French writer Francois Voltaire. In its day, the book - which is slyly critical of the institutions and the beliefs of the day - was banned for religious and political reasons. Whitworth’s steady voice allows the translation by T. Smollett to shine. The title character is a young man under the tutelage of Dr. Pangloss. As the audiobook progresses, he becomes increasingly more disillusioned with the world and the suffering of his fellow man.
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There are certainly aspects of the book that didn't age well, notably the frequent reference to rape, which in today's society I think we would often try to be sensitive to triggering someone that has actually experienced that trauma. That aspect aside, I think the story does a good job of being engaging and blisteringly cynical about the ills of society and highlighting the disparity in life, especially at the time. It's been a while since read other satire of that age, but I would say this is on par with Gulliver's travels but does not top Catch 22 in terms of humor and absurdity.

Classic I'm satire

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Probably the true genesis of chaos theory and an intriguing exploration of a glass half full or half empty philosophical view.

Candide lived a full life and avoided the three vices: boredom. Vice and Poverty.

So was it a life well lived or a life of constant sorrow?

Everything happens for a reason

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Very engaging fast paced and left me hungry for more listened to it twice already and each time as good as the last

Best work of classic literature Ive heard as of late

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“We must tend to our garden.”

I’d like to hear a recording of this without the British accent though that’s just a nitpick of mine. There’s a lot going on in this great piece of literature. What I think Voltaire is most trying to say is something that I’ve always believed in: if you can make the best version of yourself then you are properly prepared for whatever comes your way. Of course he also has a lot of situations that are examples of free will vs destiny and neither seems to ultimately win out. There’s also something to be said for always following through on whatever you do because a lot of times Candide is in situations where he thinks he sees the ultimate demise of his friends when they don’t perish. For such a short book this provides lots of brain fodder for pensive moments.

The all time classic

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If you enjoy the classics, this might be for you. If you wish to avoid a ghorish, pessimistic-filled world of literary turmoil...avoid it. The audio quality is fine, but the narrator can get a little boring (or was it Candide?). You'll definitely love it or hate it...I'm the latter.

Classic Confusion

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I thoroughly enjoyed this. I do believe it helped that I learned about Voltaire’s motivation for this book before listening.

It was a timely listen for me, living in a time filled with insanity, where results of direct observation are rejected in favor of rigid ideologies. That such a problem existed during Voltaire’s time was eye opening, though in retrospect it probably shouldn’t have been. I found myself laughing out loud frequently at what was written.

I highly recommend this.

Excellent and Entertaining

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