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2.85 AVERAGE
2.85 AVERAGE
First four or five chapters of setup are rough. Once it gets into the actual story of it, it's pleasant enough. If we're being honest I just read it to prep for watching Beau Travail.
adventurous
sad
Classic tragic story
This short book (~3.5-hour recording) is by the same author that wrote Moby Dick but 40 years later. It is the story of a handsome, good-natured, and naïve young sailor that ends in tragedy. It brings up a genuine moral dilemma that makes one think.
The narrator is William Roberts, whose voice seems perfect for this story. In addition, the audio quality is excellent.
I highly recommend this book either in the audiobook format or in written form. It is a true classic and a concise and worthwhile read.
I originally wrote this review on 11/12/2011.
3 / 4 : Read!
[Foretopman Billy Budd finds himself gang-pressed and subject to the unwanted attention of pernicious Master-at-Arms John Claggart]
Incomplete at the time of his death, Melville's last novel was published only in 1924 from the author's notes and his wife's direction. Presumably, this gives the novella its abbreviated, heavily allegorical feel, which, intentional or not, is hauntingly effective.
I listened to a narration by Michael Lackey
[Foretopman Billy Budd finds himself gang-pressed and subject to the unwanted attention of pernicious Master-at-Arms John Claggart]
Incomplete at the time of his death, Melville's last novel was published only in 1924 from the author's notes and his wife's direction. Presumably, this gives the novella its abbreviated, heavily allegorical feel, which, intentional or not, is hauntingly effective.
I listened to a narration by Michael Lackey
This is an easier read than Moby Dick, to be sure, but I am still not at all a fan of Melville. First paragraph was a weird thirst trap, second paragraph was just outright Racist, and after that I think my brain melted because I honestly have no idea what happens in this book. But it's done and that's what matters :)
I was forced to read this and I didn’t really try to understand it or like it but I appreciate some of the symbolism and I get it but just not for me ✨✨
challenging
sad
medium-paced
Didn't seem very interesting. Abandoned at about 30% mark
A terrible book but fun to read with other teenagers
adventurous
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
challenging
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Fine