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Three Men in a Boat cover art

Three Men in a Boat

By: Jerome K. Jerome
Narrated by: Ian Carmichael
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Summary

Exclusively from Audible

In this comedic masterpiece, three young men, increasingly given to thoughts of hypochondria, decide to embark on a journey along the river Thames.

Confident that the fresh air and daily exercise will grant them immunity from a myriad of illnesses and diseases, they pack up their frying pans, toothbrushes, food and canine companion, Montmorency, and set off on an unexpected adventure.

As the men come up against hilarious and often avoidable obstacles on their journey from Kingston upon Thames to Oxford, Jerome K. Jerome offers listeners a unique look back at the joys of youthful naivety, comradery and playfulness.

Supremely English in nature, Three Men in a Boat, paved the way for the later works of authors such as James Thurber, PG Wodehouse and Nick Hornby.

Based on a real-life experience, Jerome's comic approach to this story transcends the passage of time as his themes and subjects remain universal. An explorer of new ideas and customs, Jerome K. Jerome developed great insight along his travels throughout Europe and the sheer plausibility of his stories serves to enhance the comedic effect of his writing.

As an international best-selling title, Jerome K. Jerome's Three Men in a Boat was met with such immediate success that it has never been out of print since its publication in 1889.

Narrator Biography

Ian Carmichael was a veteran comedy actor, best known for his roles in Private's Progress, I'm All Right Jack, Brothers in Law and School for Scoundrels.

He played Dorothy L. Sayers' gentleman detective, Lord Peter Wimsey, on television and radio and his audiobook narration of these stories can be found on the Audible website.

Ian was classically trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts and after a brief stint in the Royal Armoured Corps during the Second World War, he graced stage, screen and radio for over 50 years.

He was and remains a national treasure and was appointed an OBE in the 2003 Queen's Birthday Honours List.

©2007 Jerome K. Jerome (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"[Narrator Ian] Carmichael, the quintessential English gentleman, captures perfectly the delicious inanity of our intrepid heroes' conversations and the bemusement of the locals they meet along the way. He conveys beautifully Jerome's evocative, almost wistful, descriptions of Thames-side towns whose august historical pasts illustrate the glory that was Britain. This delightful performance crystallizes the author's humor and vision and is sure to enchant its audience." ( AudioFile)

What listeners say about Three Men in a Boat

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Perfect voice for an all-time favourite

Ian Carmichael has the perfect voice for this comic classic. I've read this book in print many times over the years but have rarely enjoyed it so much. Highly recommended.

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Funny, charming, short listen

i heard someone on a podcast say that this was their favourite book as it was so funny. I had to check it out after that praise,. It's not something I'd be drawn to tbh, yet I found the story engaging and well suited to this format. There are many funny moments and all the characters felt like real people. Naturally given that it was written pre-1900's some of the references are dated, but, it never ruins the story. A real plus point is that it never asks anything of you. All that is required is that you listen as the story unfolds.

Narration is good, there is a nice jolly tone throughout. The book is a first-person account so no need to have multiple voices for each character. A bad character voice can ruin listening to books for me.

I will definitely listen to this again and probably hear more jokes this time round. It feels like a book that improves with every read/listen

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This story is made for narration

I loved this book as a youngster, and was a little hesitant to try it in listening format. However, I couldn’t have wished for anything better. Very glad I took the plunge.

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  • 30-03-20

Meandering and funny

Having tried this once in written form, and failed to complete it, I returned to it again after reading Connie Willis’ To Say Nothing of the Dog. The narrator, Ian Carmichael, is so good that the book was a pleasure right to the end this time. I recommend both!

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Classic Entertainment

This book was always praised by my father so it was his voice I heard in the wonderful rendition by Ian Carmichael. Full of old world charm and tomfoolery, there’s still plenty to smile about for a modern listener.

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Timeless

Three men in a boat and a dog is wonderful. The story and humour is timeless, the characters are full of fun, youth, vigorous and adventure. And all the way through the author is very descriptive of the scenery. Montmotency, the dog adds much humour to the already wonderful humour of the story.
Highly recommended

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Perfect story, perfect narrator

One of my favourite books read, absolutely beautifully, by the wonderful Ian Carmichael. It honestly couldn’t have been bettered!

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A tranquil enjoyable peruse

Ian Carmichael set the pace and period beautifully, my favourite choice for this delightfully funny and simple story. A real step outside our noisy, brash fast paced life today. Great escape!

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Brilliantly brought to life

One of my all time favourite books which makes me laugh out loud each time I read it. I was wary of an audible version but the narrator was perfect. I laughed out loud and will listen to this again I know. Joyous!

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Classic old favourite hilariously funny well read

could not put it down though sides were splitting from spontanious laughter.this is an ideal pick me up during long illness or lockdown

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