This is an Audio Classics Library version, which means it's highly abridged/edited to be a nice, short, enjoyable story.

I haven't listened to it yet, but plan to soon.

I listened to this today. Not bad. Problem is, I haven't read the original story, so it sounded good to me but I don't know what's missing in comparison.

I thought it was a great story of character and culture. Billy Budd, the handsome sailor is accused of mutiny and, unable to properly speak in his own defense, commits an unforgivable act. I thought this was a fascinating story of morality vs. law, of fear and culture, and also of duty and love. I would imagine that the actual book goes a lot deeper into these themes than this version, but that's only a guess.

The reader was good but spoke very quickly. I'm actually glad he did, because he was able to tell a lot of the tale on one CD.

On a whole, I absolutely enjoyed this. Since I've been reading the Hornblower books, it's a time period I've been in a lot literary-wise, so this was a nice addition with gorgeous writing and full of emotion.

Adding to booklady331's CD-only Audio Bookbox. Enjoy!

Arrived in the CD only book box. I am leaving it in the box. I have this book on Radio Theater. I find it a sad story.

RELEASE NOTES:

staying in bookbox

This arrived home in my CD only bookbox. Deciding what to do with the book.

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

Enjoy! Traveling for ROUND 3 in the CD only book box.

Gonna give this one a whirl too. Thanks!

I wasn't familiar with the story of Billy Budd either, and not being much of a classics reader, I think the abridged audiobooks are good enough to give the reader an idea of what the story's about. But as Kate said, the reader read fast, which makes following the story a little difficult. I haven't read Moby Dick either, but I'm not sure I truly appreciate the prose of Melville. I found him rather wordy, especially near the beginning, & it wasn't until midway through the story that I felt like I was becoming engaged. And then near the end, my interest waned again. Maybe it was the abridgement -- I don't know. It didn't end as I'd expected, which took me by surprise, & wasn't particularly an uplifting note to end a book on. But I can now say I know the story of Billy Budd!

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

Sending off to PBS member. Enjoy! :')

You have found a BookCrossing book! Please take a brief moment to journal your thoughts upon reading this book. Then, if you'd like, re-release the book (to a friend, a stranger, or back out into the wild). That way you can track its travels & its readers throughout the world!