Preview
  • The Island of Dr. Moreau

  • By: H. G. Wells
  • Narrated by: Simon Prebble
  • Length: 5 hrs and 18 mins
  • 4.2 out of 5 stars (1,837 ratings)

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The Island of Dr. Moreau

By: H. G. Wells
Narrated by: Simon Prebble
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Publisher's summary

Written by H.G. Wells, the great visionary author, this legendary novel is both timeless and thought provoking. Listeners will thrill to this chilling masterpiece as man boldly takes evolution into his own hands for the first time. Dr. Moreau, a scientist expelled from his homeland for his cruel experiments, continues his transplantations on a small South Pacific island, creating hideous creatures with manlike intelligence. When the island’s human/beasts revolt, the true consequences of his genetic meddling emerge. This stunning novel introduces listeners to the potential perils and gains of scientific discovery. H.G. Wells, author of the science fiction novels The War of the Worlds, The Invisible Man, and The Island of Dr. Moreau, remains the standard by which modern fantasy authors are judged.

Public Domain (P)1996 Recorded Books
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Editorial reviews

H.G. Wells's classic horror story centers around monster-making. As the tale begins, the nephew of Edward Prendick is narrating from an account written by his uncle as a old man. While in the prime of life, the shipwrecked Prendick was saved from death by Dr. Moreau, an expatriate living on a deserted island who was attempting, by surgical experiments, to humanize animals. Through Prebble's narrative mastery the character of Prendick evolves with the events he describes. The opening chapter is performed in a dry, weary voice. As Prendick describes the animals' agony and the misshapen results of the "man-making," Prebble reads in a shadowy, intense tone, conveying events too horrible and unbelievable to describe. Prebble's narration makes the story visual and visceral.

What listeners say about The Island of Dr. Moreau

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

Disappointing

This was such a letdown compared to what it could have been. After all, what is the main novelty of the book? The beast people, of course. However, we never really get to see these creatures in any detail nor their interactions with one another apart from serving as a general "big bad." I think the most interesting part of the book actually came at the end when the M.C. starts musing about his new veiw of humanity. The bulk of the story, however, is sadly lacking.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great book... Read very well...

Had never read the book... This reading was very good... Recommend to anyone and have...

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Much more than I ever thought

What a great little read. It’s only 5 hrs which isn’t very long, and the pacing was impeccable.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Classic and quality literature!

The best book by HG wells in my opinion. Simon prebble is magnificent. I highly recommend this one

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A classic for a good reason

I read this in high school, but the rereading with audible was a lot of fun. The story made me think about fate vs choice, animal vs human. it was also surprisingly funny. Narrator was excellent at conveying both the pathos of the animal men and the silliness of the upper class Englishmen trying to be gods.

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11 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Wonderful

I throughly enjoyed this story! The narrator was great. I need to watch the movie now to see how well they stuck to the script. I remember seeing the movie on the making of The Island of Dr. Moreau and all the problems that occurred. It will be so much more rewarding now that I have listened to the original story.

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4 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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Unexpected

I went into this book ready to be terrified of it. It was unnerving at times, but I didn't flinch at it. It was a good story and the performer was great!

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4 people found this helpful

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    3 out of 5 stars
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Frankly un'bear'able.

The narrator did a wonderful job. I'm not sure the story has aged well.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great book, excellent narration

I totally enjoyed this book, The Island of Dr. Moreau by H.G. Wells. This story was brought alive with excellent narration by Simon Prebble.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic

I found that this book was written in 1896, and it doesn't sound or feel dated. this book is written superbly, and I found it to be among my favorite. I've heard this book compared to HP Lovecrafts works, and I would have to agree, wholeheartedly.

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