Cape Cod Audiobook By Henry David Thoreau cover art

Cape Cod

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Cape Cod

By: Henry David Thoreau
Narrated by: Jim Killavey
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Buy for $19.07

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In the early 1850s, Henry David Thoreau took many meditative walks along the coast. In Cape Cod he reflects on these beach-combing trips and the powerful forces of the sea.©1990 Jimcin Recordings (P)1990 Jimcin Recordings Travel Writing & Commentary North America Biographies & Memoirs Literary History & Criticism World Literature

Editorial reviews

Narrator Jim Killavey's slight, distinctive accent perfectly conjures Henry David Thoreau's bookish intelligence and well-honed sense of humor in these meditations inspired by Cape Cod. Killavey performs Thoreau's observations with relish as he marvels at the sublime beauty of the seascape and considers the local history with a sharp eye, recounting the seizure of Eastham from the native population with a satirical spirit. While Killavey maintains Thoreau's unsentimental tone throughout the audiobook, he also makes apparent to listeners that many of these eloquent reflections were haunted by the consumptive Thoreau's awareness of his impending mortality.

Critic reviews

"Jim Killavey reads Thoreau's thoughtful travelogue about the sea, the beaches, and the spirit of Cape Cod, and it is a very enjoyable recording." (Booklist)
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Thoreau writes a very nice natural and sociological account of Cape Cod of his time, and I would have given it 4 stars were it not for the narrator. The reading seemed very close to robotic in the first third of the book. I don't know if it improved slightly as the book went on, or I just got used to it. I do appreciate that the narrator speaks in a New England accent, and for all I know (not being familiar with it), this may be a very natural example of that regional way of speaking. For me, though, it could use Garrison Keillor's more homey and natural touch in describing commonplace things. It is, though, a very good book for anyone interested in the Cape way of life during this period, and of the natural history of the area.

Good; could have been better

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If you could sum up Cape Cod in three words, what would they be?

"Yankee" love of practical detail.

What about Jim Killavey’s performance did you like?

Narrator was clear and credible.

Any additional comments?

The seashore as a middle ground between nature and civilization.

Thoreau visits Cape Cod.

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This audiobook was painful to get through. The monotone voice really ruined all sense of beauty or humor within the book. Granted, this Thoreau book is pretty dry, but the pockets in there that I normally would have loved were ruined by the voice droning on in my ear. I couldn't wait for the book to end!

Painful!

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