Arabian Nights & Arabian Nights

Traditional Tales from a Thousand and One Nights

By: Clive Johnson

Narrated by: Francie Wyck

Magic carpets and flying horses, caverns glittering with gold, unexpected plotlines following the fortunes of heroes and villains - who can fail to be enthralled by the magic and wonder of the tales of the One Thousand and One Nights?

This most celebrated collections of tales feature shape-shifting and miraculous transportation across continents, powerful jinn who rise like smoke from simple vessels, dreams that delve into the secrets of the subconscious, and gigantic, man-carrying birds.

The backdrop for the tales moves from barren deserts to spectacular cities, from the edge of the world to the inner sanctuaries of mighty rulers. Kings and paupers, benevolent sages and devious magicians, worthy princesses and unscrupulous harlots - all play their part in teaching important truths and providing lively entertainment.

This innovative book offers retellings of a selection of tales that have captured the imaginations of countless people over many centuries. Accompanying each is a contemporary short story that reframes the messages and teachings of the original, specifically written for an adult audience.

Here are stories of betrayal and murder, exploitation and sibling rivalry, soul-searching and discovery. The modern parallel tales swap the busy alleyways of old Baghdad for the horror of Saddam's prisons, move from following caravans sweeping across the Sahara to modern day pilgrims trekking along the Caminos of northern Spain, and lift Aladdin out of his cave to unwittingly face Triad gangsters and antiques smugglers.

Wayward Baptist ministers, adulterous accountants, and eco-warrior backpackers follow in the footsteps of the no-less colorful characters than those that feature in the original tales.

The result is a gripping collection of tales that may continue to bring the mystery and magic of the Nights to life.

©2016 Clive Johnson (P)2016 Clive Johnson

I adore clive Johnson

Would you consider the audio edition of Arabian Nights & Arabian Nights to be better than the print version?

yes, except i didn't care for the narrator

Who was your favorite character and why?

all of them

How could the performance have been better?

yes, she sounds like a stuardess

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

grimm meets clive barker

Any additional comments?

good book, middling narrator

Clive Johnson is a modern Shakespeare

Where does Arabian Nights & Arabian Nights rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Honestly...number 1

What did you like best about this story?

Every time I listen to it, I learn something new. And yet it is clear.

Which scene was your favorite?

the very last one

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

asked and answered

Any additional comments?

you have to listen to this. it is haunting. and brilliant. and beautiful.

Clive Johnson is a modern day icon

If you could sum up Arabian Nights & Arabian Nights in three words, what would they be?

beautiful, honest, real

Who was your favorite character and why?

The priest's wife

Which character – as performed by Francie Wyck – was your favorite?

The priest's long suffering wife. because...

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Finding God Today

Any additional comments?

Clive Johnson is a great writer and guide.

Great for post-modern...'men'

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

If that 'friend' is a metro-sexual politically correct geekazoid, then, maybe.

What other book might you compare Arabian Nights & Arabian Nights to and why?

arabian nights, but I liked that one better.

Did Francie Wyck do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

no. she's kind of whiny. it's actually a good book, and the author is talented. but this chick's voice is really corporate. boo!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

no, too long for that.

Any additional comments?

the author needs to grow his balls back. he's so middle aged. but, technically, it is good material. you have to give it a chance.

Genius

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely. Good material, relevant, witty, appropriate for all ages.

Who was your favorite character and why?

the wayward preacher, because he was internally conflicted, in a realistic way.

What about Francie Wyck’s performance did you like?

What didn't I like? It was perfect!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Absolutely. I couldn't stop listening.

Any additional comments?

Clive Johnson is a rising star.