Classic coming-of-age

I’m so pleased with this audio rendering of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. I read this book as a young adult, and enjoyed revisiting the classic cast of characters. Times have changed so much from the early 1800s, both in obvious, and in more understated ways. The language used (racial slurs,) though coarse, makes the story feel genuine, and the societal values and beliefs (racism and hypocrisy) authentic for the story’s time period. On a personal note, the racial slurs were so jarring and distracting. I understand that the language was historically accurate for the 1800s, but I can't stand to hear (or read) the 'n' word!

Theo Holland is a superbly talented audiobook narrator! His southern vernacular and inflection really drew me into the story. He shifts between character voices effortlessly and convincingly—even the female voices.

The production quality of this audiobook is clear, with no distracting background music, static, or skips. The volume seems to fluctuate here and there, but not drastically.

Overall opinion: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is an enjoyable, nostalgic, coming-of-age classic about a young boy (14 years-old) in search of freedom and adventure. The story takes place alongside the Mississippi River, with heavy themes of race, hypocrisy, character, and moral conflict. Due to the racial slurs used, the story is controversial, but continues to be a timeless classic.

I received this audiobook at no cost from Audiobookworm Promotions. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.

2 people found this helpful

Huckleberry Finn

Theo Holland's narration of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is masterful. No one could have done it better.

1 person found this helpful

An American Classic

There isn't much I can tell you that you probably don't already know about the story. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn stands on its own as beloved literary classic and Theo Holland does an admirable job performing it here. Hepossesses the perfect natural southern accent for the story and brings just the right amount of wry wit and charm to the tale. He also does a fine job giving each character their own distinct voice and personality. Simply put if you enjoy this classic work then you'll love how Mr. Holland brings it to life for you. I highly recommend it.

1 person found this helpful

Great new version of a timeless classic

I thoroughly enjoyed this new version of Huck Finn. It was my first time "reading" it since school and I have a new appreciation for why it has become a classic. Great storytelling with a quiet sense of humor.

Theo Holland does a great job bringing the story and characters to life. His voices and accents bring extra dimensions to the story.

Great new version of a classic.

1 person found this helpful

An American classic brought to life!!!

I will be honest.....I've never actually read the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. I'm not sure how I've made it hum...hum...amount of years without at some point reading this American classic. I knew it was about Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer....and that's really all I knew. I have to say I've definitely been missing out.

First off I loved the way it started off giving instructions in the beginning...saying we would be banished or shot etc...if we did certain things as we were listening. I just had to chuckle. Priceless!!! Second of all....I couldn't imagine reading it could have even compared to listening to it. The narrator, Theo Holland, did a stellar job!!! The voices of Huck and Jim were absolutely amazing...I could not imagine the voices could have been done any better. Also, the ladies voices were great too!! I've listened to other books that were so hum glum and hard to follow because it was so monotone. This just kept me excited for more and just visualizing these characters in my head with such clarity. I'm from the south and the accents and voices just tugged at my heartstrings for sure. I can honestly say the story was good, but I would not have enjoyed reading it near as much as I did listening to Theo Holland reading it to me. I loved how it really seemed like Huck was telling me the story and when he was excited about something....it made me feel excited too. I just can't say enough about the narration.....it was simply to the moon and back amazing!!!

As far as the story itself...it really makes you wonder what kind of life Mark Twain really had. It must have been pretty interesting since these characters are based off of people he knew throughout life. I forgot off and on how young Huck Finn was supposed to be because these were some pretty crazy adventures, but then he would do something to remind you he was just a young boy. I found it great that he was so torn between doing what everyone viewed as right...or following what felt right to him...then thinking he was going to hell but it didn't matter because if he felt bad doing what was right then it wasn't worth it. The funny thing was he was the one that had the right view most of the time. haha. He thought he was dumb, but yet....Tom Sawyer he felt was so smart & always had better ideas than him. Well....they may have been more colorful ideas but definitely not smart ones. Huck had no idea he was really the more realistic smart one, yet he followed Tom's which usually caused much more trouble. I was surprised that Tom wasn't in the book much (just beginning and end) but they left the story where you wondered what happened to Huck and what other crazy adventures he got himself in later. Jim was just the best character and I was left to wonder if he and Huck ever had any other adventures together later on.

I am really glad I finally broke down and listened to this classic. It was well worth the time and was a great story. I will say whether you have read it or not...this version with Theo Holland narrating is a must listen!!! You will not regret it.

1 person found this helpful

AN ABSOLUTE CLASSIC, WONDERFULLY PERFORMED!

It has been so long since I have read this, that I had forgotten how it ended. It was wonderful to take the journey with Huck & Jim again. I am amazed at the numerous character voices Theo Holland performs so well, particularly the female ones. His narration really brings the story & characters to life. Highly recommended!

1 person found this helpful

Mark Twain

If you are going to read/listen to Mark Twain this is the way to do it. The narrator has the perfect voice for this classic.

1 person found this helpful

Timeless

Theo Holland's narration of this timeless classic brings the story to life. I've heard the book performed by others, but Holland's version is head and shoulders above them all.

1 person found this helpful

Theo Holland brings an American Classic to life.

As a God fearing, patriotic American, I adore Mark Twain. His work educates us about a distant past of our great nation, which is important as we continue to understand our culture. I have loved his work ever since I was a school boy, and Theo Holland is the perfect fit for it. His deep southern twang, and immense charm, brings our American piece of shared culture to a new life. I would highly recommend.

1 person found this helpful

Inflection is obnoxious

Huck Finn is an excellent classic, but this is the wrong reader. Holland sounded good in the preview, but he ends all of his phrases the same way giving the reading a sing-song effect that was extremely distracting. Get the Elijah Wood version instead. It is far better.