Candide, or Optimism

By: Francois Voltaire, Theo Cuffe - editor, Michael Wood - introduction, Theo Cuffe - translator

Narrated by: Ben Lloyd Hughes

Brought to you by Penguin.

This Penguin Classic is performed by Ben Lloyd-Hughes, best known for Divergent, Me Before You and The Inbetweeners. This definitive recording includes an introduction by Michael Wood.

Brought up in the household of a powerful Baron, Candide is an open-minded young man, whose tutor, Pangloss, has instilled in him the belief that 'all is for the best'. But when his love for the Baron's rosy-cheeked daughter is discovered, Candide is cast out to make his own way in the world. And so he and his various companions begin a breathless tour of Europe, South America and Asia, as an outrageous series of disasters befall them - earthquakes, syphilis, a brush with the Inquisition, murder - sorely testing the young hero's optimism.

© Michael Wood 2006 (P) Penguin Audio 2021

Incredibly modern satire

Despite being very dark indeed, this is surprisingly fun and readable. Definitely the first I've binge read a work of classic fiction, much less philosophy!

Its funny lowkey

Had me laughing and the guys impressions are really funny. They story was a bit dramatic and pretty short

AMAZING!!!

Amazing and amuzing reading. As for the plot, it shows a great lot of human nature, beliefs and behaviour.
I’m giving it 5 stars, because I couldn’t stop listening to it.

Ben Lloyd-Hughes Brings Candide to Life

I read Candide in French many years ago and looked forward to this reading to remind myself of Voltaire's classic and hear Ben Lloyd-Hughes read it. He is very talented and, after seeing him in several captivating performances, I thought his expressive voice would "act" out this classic in an engaging way. I anticipated his reading would be excellent, but was drawn into it beyond what I expected. I hope Mr. Lloyd-Hughes will be persuaded to read other classics so I can brush up on my literature background in an entertaining way!

Super narration of a superb and still funny tale

It’s a superb satire and funny due to its big ideas. It isn’t dated - testament to its author. Having listened to numerous versions, this narrator stands out for his excellence. Just brilliantly told. Even the accents have just the right amount of satire.