The Shipping News (Abridged) Audiobook, by Annie Proulx Play Audiobook Sample

The Shipping News (Abridged) Audiobook

The Shipping News (Abridged) Audiobook, by Annie Proulx Play Audiobook Sample
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Read By: Robert Joy Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio Listen Time: at 1.0x Speed 3.33 hours at 1.5x Speed 2.50 hours at 2.0x Speed Release Date: December 2001 Format: Abridged Audiobook ISBN: 9780743540575

Quick Stats About this Audiobook

Total Audiobook Chapters:

5

Longest Chapter Length:

69:47 minutes

Shortest Chapter Length:

55:46 minutes

Average Chapter Length:

61:41 minutes

Audiobooks by this Author:

13

Other Audiobooks Written by Annie Proulx: > View All...

Publisher Description

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, Annie Proulx’s The Shipping News is a vigorous, darkly comic, and at times magical portrait of the contemporary North American family.

Quoyle, a third-rate newspaper hack, with a “head shaped like a crenshaw, no neck, reddish hair...features as bunched as kissed fingertips,” is wrenched violently out of his workaday life when his two-timing wife meets her just desserts. An aunt convinces Quoyle and his two emotionally disturbed daughters to return with her to the starkly beautiful coastal landscape of their ancestral home in Newfoundland. Here, on desolate Quoyle’s Point, in a house empty except for a few mementos of the family’s unsavory past, the battered members of three generations try to cobble up new lives.

Newfoundland is a country of coast and cove where the mercury rarely rises above seventy degrees, the local culinary delicacy is cod cheeks, and it’s easier to travel by boat and snowmobile than on anything with wheels. In this harsh place of cruel storms, a collapsing fishery, and chronic unemployment, the aunt sets up as a yacht upholsterer in nearby Killick-Claw, and Quoyle finds a job reporting the shipping news for the local weekly, the Gammy Bird (a paper that specializes in sexual-abuse stories and grisly photos of car accidents).

As the long winter closes its jaws of ice, each of the Quoyles confronts private demons, reels from catastrophe to minor triumph—in the company of the obsequious Mavis Bangs; Diddy Shovel the strongman; drowned Herald Prowse; cane-twirling Beety; Nutbeem, who steals foreign news from the radio; a demented cousin the aunt refuses to recognize; the much-zippered Alvin Yark; silent Wavey; and old Billy Pretty, with his bag of secrets. By the time of the spring storms Quoyle has learned how to gut cod, to escape from a pickle jar, and to tie a true lover’s knot.

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"I read this when it was first published. Read it again after picking it up in a book exchange in a marina in the Gulf Islands. Even better than I remembered. The characters are almost fascinating; the writing exquisite. Creates a community and place that are larger than life and unforgettable."

— Jo (4 out of 5 stars)

Quotes

  • “Vigorous, quirky…displays Ms. Proulx’s surreal humor and her zest for the strange foibles of humanity.”

    — New York Times Book Review
  • “Here is a novel that reinvents the tale and gives us a hero for our times.”

    — Washington Post Book World
  • “Strikingly original, richly energetic…A stunning book, full of magic and portent. The Shipping News is alive in every sense of the word.”

    — Boston Sunday Globe
  • “The writing is charged with sardonic wit—alive, funny, a little threatening; packed with brilliantly original images…and, now and then, a sentence that simply takes your breath away.”

    — USA Today
  • “This darkly comic, wonderfully inventive work…transforms the lore of Newfoundland—including shipwrecks, nautical knot-tying, horrid weather, and family legend—into brilliant literary art.” 

    — Amazon.com editorial review
  • “An extraordinary…novel…[Proulx] is in her element both when creating haunting images and when lyrically rendering a routine of gray, cold days filled with cold cheeks, squidburgers, fried bologna, and the sea.” 

    — Publishers Weekly

Awards

  • Winner of the 1993 National Book Award for Fiction
  • Winner of the 1993 Irish Times/Aer Lingus International Fiction Prize
  • Winner of the 1994 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction
  • A USA Today bestseller
  • An ALA Notable Book Finalist for Fiction
  • A 1995 Book Sense Book of the Year Nominee
  • A 1993 National Book Critics Circle Award Finalist

The Shipping News Listener Reviews

Overall Performance: 3.81081081081081 out of 53.81081081081081 out of 53.81081081081081 out of 53.81081081081081 out of 53.81081081081081 out of 5 (3.81)
5 Stars: 15
4 Stars: 9
3 Stars: 6
2 Stars: 5
1 Stars: 2
Narration: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 (0.00)
5 Stars: 0
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Story: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 (0.00)
5 Stars: 0
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Write a Review
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I read it many years ago,but remember it still. I loved it! "

    — Joyce, 2/17/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This book was so quirky and I felt so sad about the main character. At least, he made something of himself. This one of my favorite books. Forget about the movie. in no way does it compare to the book. Pulitzer Prize winner and a must read. "

    — Carey, 2/10/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This is one of my all-time favorite books. It had all the things I look for in a book, it was beautifully written, was set against a unique and remarkably captured landscape (Newfoundland) and left me feeling good inside. "

    — Nancy, 2/6/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Really graphic and descriptive novel. Really takes you to the Northeast and in the mind of its people. "

    — SD, 2/4/2014
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " I hated the writing. Just too weird. Story was just "OK." "

    — Paulamoney, 1/27/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Unique writing style that pulled you into the place and story while the characters still remained distant. "

    — Nikki, 1/21/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I found this to be a strange book; strange characters with unusual names, strange events, and the setting, Newfoundland, was strange and exotic to me. It was beautifully written in places and weirdly choppy in others, but it left an impression on me of starkness and stillness. "

    — Geni, 1/14/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This is one of my very favourite books. I have read it three times over the years and enjoyed it just as much each time. The writing is amazing and simpley takes my breath away every so often, I looove this book. "

    — Gabrielle, 1/6/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " enjoyed this very much ...well written "

    — Kevin, 11/11/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Loved the writing in this book!! I can't even describe how it is so different from any other book I've read but I want to read it again right now! "

    — Diane, 11/3/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " One oft favorite books of all time. I have reread it numerous times. The quirky characters are so real and well drawn they feel like friends. I love the aunt. The story is heartwarming without being cloying. And the writing, oh the writing. When Annie Proulx is in her groove, this book sings. "

    — Kami, 11/3/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Quietly wonderful. A great read for people who love words as Proulx handles them in a unique and satisfying way. "

    — Kreuterheidi, 4/18/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " While I enjoyed this book, it never really grabbed me and swept me away. Zin the end, I was a bit disappointed. "

    — Ann, 3/16/2013
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Rich with nautical metaphor but ulimately predictable and -- notwithstanding the accolades it won from Oprah Winfrey -- as unforgiving as the landscape in which it is set. "

    — Patrick, 2/23/2013
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " What the heck? If they mention this guy's big chin one more time, I'll scream. Horribly written and boring! Tried an hour and gave up. Who cares about these characters? Not me. "

    — Kendar88, 1/22/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " It took two starts, but the second time I wondered what was up with myself! I love love loved this book. "

    — Stacie, 1/3/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I loved this story. In fact, I think it's time I picked it up to read again. "

    — Molly, 11/14/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Movie was good. Also "

    — Kathleen, 10/30/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Loved this. Unexpected tale of a man learning to stand up for himself finally. Great character development "

    — Fiona, 9/17/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Excellent prose about dull people. The author described the fog, tides, cliffs in a thousand interesting ways and paints Newfoundland as a starkly beautiful place. But I finally could not enter into or care about the lives of the characters. "

    — Turtlesongs, 3/12/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Loved it. What more can I say? -k (FitOldDog) "

    — Kevin, 3/4/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Amazing, the first work of fiction I have finished in years, it was truly beautiful. "

    — Jeremy, 1/18/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Annie Proulx's descriptions of the bitter weather even made me cold while sitting on a beach in Belize! "

    — Carol, 1/1/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " The story of Quoyle, a hopeless hack journalist, whose wife is killed. He returns to the land of his forefathers - Newfoundland - with his daughters in tow, and an eccentric aunt. Made into a great film with Kevin Spacey and Judi Dench, but as always, the book is better. "

    — Ann, 12/6/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " A fish out of water tale, which resolves with a change of geography. I read this book when I am homesick for the Maritimes. The turns of phrase are spot on. "

    — Ekaiserattoe, 9/25/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " One of my favorite books. It was inspirational, atmospheric and humorous. Gotta go now. Having cod for dinner. "

    — Charles, 9/24/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Very compelling read. Interesting characters, interesting location. Very hard book to put down. Writing style very interesting, very descriptive. Saw the movie once. Liked both the book and the movie. "

    — Bob, 6/25/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Whoa. This book was cray-cray. Very much looking forward to seeing the movie now because there are scenes in the book that I am CERTAIN will not translate to film. Pretty darn good. "

    — Jenni, 6/13/2011
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " This was slow reading for me. A different type of writing style. I actually stopped reading it, read another book and then went back to it. The last 100 or so pages were the best. "

    — Mia, 6/12/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " It's been a really long time since I read this. All I really remember is that I liked it. "

    — Amberica, 6/10/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This book came highly recommended to me. It is one that you should take your time on so that you can get lost in the story. Prolulx' writing manages to fully engage you Quoyle's life. It is like you are on this journey with him trying to find what home really means. "

    — Marian, 6/8/2011
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " I don't remember what I didn't like about it with certainty. However, I think that it was the main character was so hapless that I couldn't stand him. "

    — Heidi, 6/4/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Re-read this because it is one of my all-time favorites! I love these characters and the landscape. "

    — Debra, 6/1/2011
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " I really liked the first 100 pages or so, but then it got really slow and boring. I kinda wish it was short story or novella. "

    — Angela, 6/1/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Read it with my dictionary next to me. "

    — Mary, 5/30/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I thought this book was beautifully written in it's descriptions of Newfoundland and its characters, however the story was painfully slow in unfolding. I was listening to it as an audio book, so perhaps it is better if you are reading it, so you can control your own pace. "

    — Karen, 5/26/2011
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " (Only reason for low rating is that the subject matter was very hard to get through.) "

    — Natalie, 5/24/2011

About Annie Proulx

Annie Proulx is the author of eight books, including the novel The Shipping News and the story collection Close Range. Her many honors include a Pulitzer Prize, a National Book Award, the Irish Times International Fiction Prize, and a PEN/Faulkner Award. Her short story “Brokeback Mountain,” which originally appeared in the New Yorker, was made into an Academy Award–winning film starring Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal. Proulx currently lives in Wyoming.