The Grapes of Wrath

What a wonderful listen. Read this book in the 60's and it was so powerful then, that I read every other Steinbeck novel. When I saw it on Audible I thought I would listen again. John Steinbecks descriptions are so good you can see the country, see the people and understand exactly what they went through. The reader brings it to life.

This has got to be the best novel ever written.

The quality of the book and narration make this one of the best audio books I have heard in some time, it is a shining example of how good narration enhances even the finest work,I would certainly recommend this classic of American literature.

So I'd recently started reading 'The Grapes Of Wrath', but found that by the time I finally sat down to read it was always late at night, and I was too tired to concentrate on reading a physical book. I thought maybe being read to would be the answer, unfortunately none of my flatmates were willing so I thought I'd try audible.

The voice of John Chancer is perfect for this book. For those of you new to audiobooks and unsure what to expect(as I was), John Chancer reads the book very clearly and with expression, and when it comes to dialogue he alters his voice for the different characters, so for long conversations you can always be sure who is talking. Yet another advantage I found is that for the dialogue Steinbeck writes matches the dialect and accents of the characters, for example he writes ' 'Look, I been scourin' aroun' for three weeks all over hell, an' I ain't'...', and the narrator reads this out exactly to mimic the dialect and accents.

As for the book itself, I was surprised at how relevant it still was, and the messages Steinbeck gets across are truly profound. The characters are well developed, and unbelievably human.

I'm convinced any reader will grow to love the Joad family, and listening to their adventure will become a great part of your day!

One of the best novels I've ever read and also one of my favourites. This is a masterful reading. Whether you know the work already or would like to, I think this audiobook is just superb.

I found this audiobook stunningly good. Having read the book several times 'in print', I was reticent about having someone else narrate what to me is a special story. My trepidation was unfounded and this version I found to be both deeply moving and utterly gripping. Anyone who has read 'Of Mice and Men' and been gripped by Steinbeck's sharp characterisation and concise description will find this masterpiece rewarding and very possibly 'unputdownable'!

Well narrated version of the classic Steinbeck novel. Good adaptation of accents and characters. Recommended.

This is an incredible book, do I really need to say anything, it The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck! I couldn't understand how good it was until I read it. Read it, read it, read it!!!

I came into The Grapes of Wrath completely blind knowing only that it was hailed as a great book but not really expecting much and I was pleasantly surprised, from the start the characters are involved and engaging, John Chancer’s narration is spot on giving each character a unique voice and feeling.



The last chapter alone is worth the cost of the audiobook as I have never before been confronted with such a mix of emotions upon finishing a novel, six months later and I’m still not sure what it makes me feel, definitely one to get you out of your comfort zone.

If you did and you enjoyed it, this novel is Of Mice and Men to the power 10!



Firstly, the story of a family struggling through the Great Depression in 1930's America is epic, dark, political, and emotional. The kind of story I love.



Secondly, the narration. Personally, I like audio books that occupy a good month's worth of driving back and forth from work. In which case, the narrator better be doing a good job or that's a month of annoying driving or me thinking I've wasted my money. John Chancer? His narration is wonderful. The kind that seems to enhance the listening experience to the point where you wonder why you would ever read a book yourself!



Overall? Highly recommended.

I'll keep this short. The book is a classic and it is not difficult to understand why. It perhaps has a special resonance as the world goes through the current economic recession. The writing needs no praise from me. What was outstanding was the narration. The narrator brought the book and its characters vividly to life. His mastery of the subtleties of the text and the nuances of the language was demonstrated on every page.