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Zorba the Greek cover art

Zorba the Greek

By: Nikos Kazantzakis
Narrated by: George Guidall
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Summary

A wonderful tale of a young man’s coming of age, Zorba the Greek has been a classic of world literature since it was first translated into English in 1952 and made into an unforgettable movie with Anthony Quinn. Zorba, an irrepressible, earthy hedonist, sweeps his young disciple along as he wines, dines, and loves his way through a life dedicated to fulfilling his copious appetites. Zorba is irresistible in this charming audio production by veteran narrator George Guidall.

©1961 Faber and Faber Limited (P)1996 Recorded Books, LLC

What listeners say about Zorba the Greek

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Moved me

Recommended by Mr T Ferris and now I know why. A lesson in living your life to it's full potential. A truly great book and I loved the naration by George Guidall. The different voices make it seem like you are listening to a play.

Makes me want to - drink beer and wine, eat Greek food, travel to the Greek Islands, travel the world, meet lots of beautiful women get married , have kids, not take life so serious, laugh dance, get drunk...

No book has ever made me want to do the above. Try it you'll love it.

Very well played Borsssss!

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5 people found this helpful

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Genius from author & narrator. My baubolina.....

Would you listen to Zorba the Greek again? Why?

Loved George Guidall's narration. Although he initially irritated me, I quickly realised that he is an accomplished narrator who had the measure of the material.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Zorba is hilarious, infuriating, wonderful and demonic all in one. 'My baubolina'!!

What does George Guidall bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

His tone and respect of the material is perfectly pitched and masterly delivered.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It's philosophical, religious and spiritual experience with some weighty themes. I often found myself marvelling at some of the short dialogues of the narrator and rewinding sections to give myself a chance to consider what was happening.

Any additional comments?

In places the book is difficult and thought provoking. However it was a truly engaging and rewarding experience. Superb and deep, yet funny and devastatingly dramatic in parts.

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Heart Warming

It's hard not to fall in love with Zorba. This will challenge anyones outlook on life.

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2 people found this helpful

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    1 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars
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Overrated

I really like the overall idea of the story: over educated man learns about life from uneducated man that knows how to enjoy it without overthinking. Nice.

My problem is two fold: woman is treated like objects and the author tries to convey the idea that zorba is cool by stating this over and over again. So, the main pushlines are rather repetitive.

But the first point really bother me. As a father of two young girls, my wish that their school mates don't try to imitate Zorba.

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2 people found this helpful

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    2 out of 5 stars
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Tedious

Full of half-baked and pretentious philosophy and mundane writing, seasoned with generous handfuls of casual misogyny. couldn't be bothered to finish it. excellently read by George Guidall, though.

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1 person found this helpful

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    3 out of 5 stars
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interesting tale!

interesting tale but quite long and slightly hard work in places.

Not sure if it would work better in a written book then audio but I got distracted quite easily. Did finish it but don't quite see what all the fuss is about! it is nicely written though

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Beautiful

a beautiful novel with beautiful characters which gives incredible insight into human nature, art and philosophy. I rarely read fiction but this is captivating and the film is also well worth watching.

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1 person found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Listen to it!

This book might inspire you to grab life by the balls, every once in a while. A great story, beautifully narrated. I highly recommend!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Must be my favourite book ever

Brilliant just brilliant
Start to finish
I should buy a hard copy for a keepsake

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Everyone should read this novel

I love Zorba and the Boss, I'll miss them. So much life in this. Truly enjoyable and marvelous peformance.

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