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The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

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The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

By: F. Scott Fitzgerald
Narrated by: Scott Brick
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About this listen

F. Scott Fitzgerald makes antebellum Baltimore his setting for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, a fantastical tale with some Poe-like overtones about a baby born at age 70 who then lives life in reverse, his hair turning "in the dozen years of his life from white to iron-gray, the network of wrinkles on his face becoming less pronounced". What ramifications that creates for Benjamin's relationship with his father first and then later with his wife and his own son makes for some fantastical situations.

Public Domain (P)2017 Blackstone Audio, Inc. Anthologies Anthologies & Short Stories Classics Fiction Short Stories Emotionally Gripping Heartfelt
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A genuinely absurd tale, in miniature, at just over an hour long. Perhaps it needs a second listen to see if the point of the story becomes clear.
‘Youth is wasted on the young’? Well, not really as as he doesn’t achieve more, or find greater pleasure in his numerical or psychological youth than anyone else. His condition precipitates a lifetime of abuse and frustration, save for a very brief spell in youthful middle age.
But there are some unexpectedly funny lines which have a surreal Python feel. But but what’s the point?

Curious indeed

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Not deserving of 5 stars for me; too short; could’ve been a novella or long short story of several hours and lacked the beautiful sentences and vividly subtle characters of Tender is the Night and The Great Gatsby.

I also can’t fail to wonder the size of Benjamin Button’s mothers vagina. Fancy leaving that imagery out, a gaping plot hole?

4 Stars Seems Harsh

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I’ve been meaning to listen to this book. It’s a beautiful but simple story. Enjoyed the recording!

I’ve been meaning to..

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For such a short story this packs a disproportionately large punch as it tackles birth, death, fate, ageing, difference, prejudice, love and loss in just over an hour. It doesn't need explaining to understand that Fitzgerald was a master at challenging norms, expectations and the status quo in society. For lovers of 'Sliding Doors' type fiction this is a must read or listen. And the movie is pretty good too.

Poignant Short Story

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Never cease to wonder how somebody who spent so much time drinking and partying could be this brilliant at writing. Amazing characters, mature emotions. An hour best spent with this audiobook!

Beautifully narrated

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