Candide

By: Voltaire

Narrated by: Donal Donnelly

From the satirical pen of one of France's greatest cynics comes the story of Candide - young, innocent, guileless - who is cast upon the world after Baron Thunder-ten-trockh learns that his lusty daughter, Cunegonde, has tried to seduce the young man. The novel chronicles Candide's adventures with his blindly optimistic tutor, Dr. Pangloss, through any number of disastrous experiences, as they search for the answers to life's perennial questions. A champion of the Enlightenment, Voltaire (1694-1778) was quick to attack tyranny, fanaticism, intolerance, superstition, and prejudice wherever they occurred. His merciless satire, unorthodox views, and enmity to organized religion were a source of irritation to the political and religious authorities of his day.Public Domain (P)1991 Recorded Books

Voltaire's Classic

This classic by Voltaire is wonderful satire. Candide, the young illegitimate nephew of a German baron, is taught by his teacher/philosopher Pangloss that this world is ?the best of all possible worlds.? Candide falls in love with Cunegonde, the baron?s young daughter. When their love is discovered, Candide is expelled from his home, and the fun starts. The entire novel is then consumed with tongue-in-cheek melodrama of Candide?s worldwide attempt to find and marry Cunegonde, who is, of course, constantly on the move.

Early on in the story we realize that the important aspects of Voltaire?s novel are not the plot?s details but the higher themes: the ?real-world? tragedy which disproves Pangloss? initial optimistic teachings, the hypocrisy of the day?s religious theologians, and the inability of money to solve problems. Voltaire?s wit shines in his masterpiece, and while this book is not for young children, it does have broad appeal, especially due to its short length.

Reader Donal Donnelly does a good job of characterizing the voices, especially the sleazy and decrepit characters. Donnelly?s British accent proves to be very entertaining and a joy to listen to.

Much funnier than I ever expected it to be!

Another one of those books that was required reading in most of the English programs in my high school - except the ones I took. Never thought I missed much by not being required to read it when I was in school, I waited until I was 65 before I picked it as a choice in Audible. I'm so glad that I did! It was actually funny throughout and I couldn't have enjoyed it more. It's actually hard to remember as one is listening to this book, that it was written in 1759 - 200 years before I was born! It's also difficult to remember that Voltaire was, although not excommunicated for his writings, his works were banned and he was officially labeled a heretic by the Roman Catholic church. Today, I think he would be lauded as one of the brightest minds on the writing staff of any modern day syndicated comedy on TV. Well worth the read. I enjoyed it and am pretty sure most modern day open-minded readers would too. 2 thumbs up!

an absolute hoot

If you've not read this already, run (don't walk) to get yourself a copy. Voltaire wrote it 250 years ago and it doesn't appear to have aged much since (I was laughing out loud on the subway). Although it may offend the sensibilities of some (lots of body language; lots of anti-clericalism; lots of blood and guts and rape and pillaging; satirical and hilarious. No wonder they didn't have us read him in my suburban High School.

Fresh and funny

The reader is very good. The story is wonderful. One of my favorite audible books. Candide takes readers half way around the world and back while cheerfully suffering one misadventure after another.

I wish I had read this years ago

I bought this book on a whim long ago and quickly forgot about it. I saw it on audible and decided to listen to it. Yes, the story started off ridiculous, and as I wondered where it was going I found myself laughing out loud and getting swept up in the ridiculousness of it all. All is for the best in this story.