The Little Mermaid

By: Hans Christian Andersen

Narrated by: Andrea Emmes

One of the most famous fairy tales of all time, The Little Mermaid was written by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen and published in 1837. The littlest mermaid of the Sea King ventures to the surface of the ocean on her 15th birthday and falls in love with a handsome human prince whom she sees sailing on his vast ship. As her heart has been captured by this young royal, she endures great sacrifice and pain in order to be with the man she loves. Not a typical fairy tale as seen on the big screen but one with a heart-filled story of love and loss.

Public Domain (P)2016 Andrea Emmes

Great Audio Update for Classic Mermaid Tale!

Any additional comments?

The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Andersen is a classic fairy tale that was first published nearly 200 years ago. This story has captured the imagination of millions, resulting in hundreds of adaptations, including a ballet and one of Walt Disney's most famous movies of all time. The Disney version of the Little Mermaid took many of the basic plot points from the original short story: it revolves around the youngest mermaid of the Sea King who on her 15th birthday visits the surface of the ocean; at the surface, she observes a handsome young prince sailing on his ship and she immediately falls in love with him; she saves his life after an unexpected storm catches the ship unprepared and is destroyed; and because she just can't live without the prince, the Little Mermaid exchanges her tongue to the sea witch in exchange for human legs. This is where the similarity with the Disney version ends.

The Little Mermaid endures great pain in order to be with the prince. But because she is mute, the Prince is persuaded to marry another and The Little Mermaid is basically relegated to not much more than "pet" status. The Little Mermaid accompanies the bride and groom on the bridal ship whereupon her sisters present her with a knife to kill the prince in exchange for her tail back. But rather than kill the Prince while he is sleeping, she throws herself into the ocean to die. But, instead of becoming foam like other mermaids who die, the Little Mermaid becomes a "daughter of the air" to help children be good for 300 years. Although at first I was surprised by the ending, I then remembered that old Victorian fairy tales were written for children to teach lessons and to scare them into good behavior.

I listened to the Audible version of this story narrated by Andrea Emmes who did a wonderful job. She has a nice smooth voice and provides consistent voices for all characters. Her narration really contributed to my satisfaction of the story. I recommend this audiobook to anyone who enjoys listening to classic folk and fairy tales. I received a copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

The real story behind Ariel

Being a huge Disney fan it is always amazing to hear the real story behind the Disney one. The old tales were always darker (obviously) than the Disney ones and I find they make a great companion to the story. It's interesting to see what is kept, lost, and changed. I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.

Good audiobook

Would you listen to The Little Mermaid again? Why?

I would listen to the story again, it was an original reading.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Little Mermaid?

The end of the story was very tragic.

Have you listened to any of Andrea Emmes’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No,I haven't, but the narrowing matches the storyline.

Any additional comments?

“I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.”

Loved it

Love Hans Christian Andersen. The narrator really brought this classic story to life. Just wonderful.

I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.

it was ok

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

No, i don't think i would. I like listening to the original stories but they are just so different then the story i am used to they seem a little disappointing

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

I was a lot surprised i am so used to disney versions that when i hear the way it was originally written i am shocked.

Which character – as performed by Andrea Emmes – was your favorite?

I can't say i have a favorite besides the little mermaid.

Do you think The Little Mermaid needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

No, there really isn't anywhere it could really go

Any additional comments?

"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast."