The Prisoner of Zenda Audiobook By Anthony Hope cover art

The Prisoner of Zenda

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The Prisoner of Zenda

By: Anthony Hope
Narrated by: Bernard Mayes
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This swashbuckling romance transports a droll young English gentleman from his comfortable life in London to a fast-moving adventure in a mythical country steeped in political intrigue. Rudolf Rassendyll, pondering his life’s purpose, sets out on a journey to the tiny European kingdom of Ruritania, where he discovers that he bears a marked physical resemblance to the king. Perils and adventures ensue when he decides to impersonate the king in order to defeat a plot to dethrone him, and falls deeply in love with the king’s betrothed, Princess Flavia.

With its witty hero and shrewd villains, The Prisoner of Zenda became an instant classic when it appeared in 1894 and has been filmed five times since.

Public Domain (P)1996 Blackstone Audio, Inc. Action & Adventure Classics Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Suspense Thriller & Suspense Adventure Royalty Fiction Witty

Critic reviews

“The tale speeds like an arrow, never deviating from its appointed course. There are no loopholes, only a rising tide of intrigue and excitement that never abates….” (Nathan R. Teitel, New York University)
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This is an older 'classic' adventure story, possibly a little naughty for the time. It is a light hearted story of Kings and Princes and the need to keep a few secrets secret.
There are moonlit flights over the countryside on horses, revolvers and swords, the odd fight with resulting death and capture as well as castles and moats with drawbridges.
I finished the 'telling of tales' with a smile, knowing I too knew the secret.

Risky romp through Ruritania

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Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

The story is a good story but the sound quality is horrible. It sounded like I put my phone in a cardboard box and sealed it up and that was with headphones in. Look for another copy.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

His voice seemed to done on and on.

Any additional comments?

The story is Great, it's a classic, but I would recommend finding a different recording.

Sound Quality

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What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

If Chapter 4 had been included.

What was most disappointing about Anthony Hope’s story?

Chapter 4 was missing

What didn’t you like about Bernard Mayes’s performance?

He was fine, but Chapter 4 was missing

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Anger because Chapter 4 is missing...

Any additional comments?

Chapter 4 was missing.

Missing Chapter 4

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