Robinson Crusoe

By: Daniel Defoe

Narrated by: Ron Keith

Robinson Crusoe, first published in 1719, was Defoe’s first novel and survives as his best-known work. Loosely based on a true account of a Scottish sailor—Alexander Selkirk—it is a tale of one man’s fall from grace and progress to redemption. The account of Crusoe’s life, scratched out with rationed indigo ink on a dwindling supply of paper salvaged from the hull of a wrecked ship, speaks eloquently of the tenacity and ingenuity of the human spirit.

Public Domain (P)1991 Recorded Books, LLC

A picture in time

Robinson Crusoe is a classic that is alluded to in other literature. It is also considered the first English novel. For those reasons, it is worth reading.

However, the story wanders and often retraces its steps. As a result, it was a wonderful bedtime read to help me fall asleep.

It was also a fascinating look into the early 18th century mind. It is unabashedly racist. White supremacy abounds. The humble pride of the narrator was laughable.

I am glad that I read this book, and it lends itself to discussion. The reader was excellent. All in all the book is a good glimpse into the past, encouraging me that we do live in a better time.

Not the literary masterpiece I expected

I know this is supposed to be a literary masterpiece but I found it lacking. Specifically:
- the story is told for several chapters and the retold in the reading of Robinsons journal.
- Crusoe has many advantages for being deserted on an island. Tools, guns, gun powder and ammo that lasts 30+ years(?). He grows corn, rice and barley and has goat milk, cheese?
- there was little depth to the character and after a while I found I didn't even like him.

“It is never too late to be wise.”

While I definitely enjoyed it, I'm not sure I'll revisit this story. I think it's important in the grand scheme of classics to have this context in your thoughts. I'll refer back to it often, & I'm not mad I read it. However, it just wasn't my type of book. Robinson Crusoe's adventures were interesting, but I'm not sure his character is likable. Maybe that's the beauty of it?

THIS BOOK IS SO AWESOME I LOVE IT Thanks Audible.

This book has an amazing story great emotions, be sure to check it out. -10 year old

Summer Tradition

I’ve been listening to this book with my brother every summer since I was a little kid. To me Ron Keith is Robinson Crusoe. Highly recommend this book, it’s a great story!