English Passengers

A Novel

By: Matthew Kneale

Narrated by: Ron Keith, Simon Prebble, Gerard Doyle, Gianfranco Negroponte, Patrick Tull, Jenny Sterlin, Davina Porter

It is 1857, and Reverend Geoffrey Wilson has departed England to prove the literal truth of the Bible. The expedition heads towards Tasmania, where he is convinced he will find the real Garden of Eden. But the other passengers have their own agendas. Dr Potter is developing a sinister thesis, and the ship is crewed by smugglers of contraband brandy and tobacco. As the English passengers near Peevay's land, their bizarre notions become painfully at odds with reality. Their destination is no Eden but a world of hunting parties and colonial ethnic cleansing. A mighty collision is approaching....

©2000 Matthew Kneale (P)2001 W.F. Howes Ltd.

One of the best audible books

A wonderful story about the sad discovery by Europeans of Tasmania. The different narrators have distinctive voices and fascinating accents that make the story come to life. I learned a lot from this book, was vastly entertained while at the same time being shocked by humanity’s narrow mindedness and cruelty. I would give it more stars if I could

Superb story and narration

I read this wonderful book when it first came out, but hearing the multiple narrators really brings it to life. The themes, history, characters, plot, wit, and writing could not be better. Finally, each voice was perfect for each of the many characters.

Tedious

Simple story that was draw out beyond any reason, simple characters that acted within the predictable roles; fortunately I fell asleep though much of it and only went back once to understand the change in predictable action somewhere after to 10 hour mark.

I’m trying but it’s a chore

I’m nearly 12 hrs into this book, but I don’t really care about the characters. I keep thinking it’ll start coming together but it doesn’t seem like it’s going to. Perhaps there are too many points of view?

I’m seriously thinking about asking for an exchange. Even though there are some good narrators, the stories are just too drawn-out. I’m just not interested.