The Wild Swans Audiobook, by Hans Christian Andersen Play Audiobook Sample

The Wild Swans Audiobook

The Wild Swans Audiobook, by Hans Christian Andersen Play Audiobook Sample
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Read By: Sigourney Weaver Publisher: Lightyear Entertainment Listen Time: at 1.0x Speed 0.33 hours at 1.5x Speed 0.25 hours at 2.0x Speed Release Date: December 1999 Format: Unspecified Audiobook ISBN:

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Publisher Description

A jealous and evil queen casts a dreadful spell over her 12 stepchildren - she exiles her beautiful stepdaughter, Elise, and turns her 11 stepsons into wild swans. Princess Elise sets out to find her brothers and release them from the spell, but finds that she must perform a nearly impossible task to carry out the rescue - create coats of mail out of sharp nettles for each of her brothers, and not speak a word the entire time. Even the love of a king - and the treachery of his adviser - must not deter her from her task. Sigourney Weaver narrates this beautiful version of one of Hans Christian Andersen's most compelling tales.

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"This novel spans the lives of three generations of chinese women from the same family. Written from the daughters perspective it tells of the life of her grandmother who lives as a concubine to a warlord. It also details her mothers life as a communist party member and her own life and struggle to come to terms with what she sees around her in the midst of the Maoist propaganda that fills her life. I really enjoyed this book because it opens up a part of chinese history I knew virtually nothing about. But it's also an immensely personal account of the struggles of three very strong women. Absolutely fascinating book in terms of its context and the characters it is based around. Well worth a read."

— Anna (4 out of 5 stars)

The Wild Swans Listener Reviews

Overall Performance: 4.37142857142857 out of 54.37142857142857 out of 54.37142857142857 out of 54.37142857142857 out of 54.37142857142857 out of 5 (4.37)
5 Stars: 17
4 Stars: 14
3 Stars: 4
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
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
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1 Stars: 0
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  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " A truly moving and stunning biographical work, Chang tells the three interconnected stories of her grandmother, mother and herself, together all of whom experienced the most tumultuous century in Chinese history. Her gift of writing not only brings the shocking events to life, but the reader feels for each character and is moved by their stories and hardships. This book is obviously deeply personal to Chang, and it reads so: like reading a collection of diaries. An important book to read to understand the personal impacts the last century has had on the Chinese. "

    — James, 2/11/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " By far THE BEST BOOK i have ever read in my entire life. It is told in such detail, and it leaves you addicted to it. I recommend this to anyone who is interested in the chinese communism/ mao ze dong era. "

    — Alisha, 2/3/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " amazing book - still outlawed in mainland china - where i happen to get caught reading it "

    — Anne, 1/31/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I found it too heavily laden with history to make the story an enjoyable one (I prefer more of the story line - Snow Flower & the Secret Fan, Good Earth, Joy Luck Club - to this one). I couldn't even make myself finish the end of it, unfortunately! "

    — Tiffany, 1/31/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I wish I could have liked this book. I wanted to like this book. I just didn't. However, I think it is an important book that everyone should read. The author clearly describes life in China during the 20th century - explaining in great depth the impact of the Japanese occupation, the rise of the Communist Party, and the Cultural Revolution. "

    — Kathy, 1/20/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Anyone who remembers the vague news reports about the Red Guards coming out of China MUST read this book. It is long, but worth the time. Absolutely fascinating and well-written story of three generations of women in China. "

    — Tom, 1/20/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Great insight into women in China during the 20th century "

    — Raisaroo, 1/13/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it is one of my alltime favorites. I loved hearing the different perspectives of the three generations of women and I loved learning about Chinese history. It is not a short read, but I highly recommend it. "

    — Kristen, 11/22/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Amazing story told by a person my age. I was saddened to think what she and her family went thru as compared to what was going on in this country at the same time. Nothing could make you appreciate this country more. "

    — Mike, 10/27/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Such a wonderful way to learn about the last 100 years of Chinese history. Excellent book! "

    — Beth, 10/18/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Very long book and the last third was hard to get through but it was a very interesting look into China. "

    — Trish, 10/2/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " wow the strength of these women are unbelievable "

    — Tinay, 9/27/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Absolutely loved this book. Great combination of history and memoir telling the stories of the author, her mother and grandmother that span China pre-Japanese invasion to China post-Mao. "

    — Shiloh, 9/27/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Very good, exciting, shocking and informative "

    — Alert, 9/7/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " It's amazing to have lived through that era and not been aware of any of the atrocities in china. A tragic and enlightening read! "

    — Jackballoon, 12/24/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " An interesting biography, story was brilliant written! I read twice and have got two copies! "

    — Lamai, 12/20/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " This was a hard, long, detailed, intense book! It just about killed me at times, but I'm glad I read it. "

    — Cathi, 12/18/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This book reads faster at the beginning, but press on!! Although it turns into a lot of history, you will understand life under Mao from someone who lived through it! For me, it wasn't an easy read but it was very interesting and informative. "

    — Jolene, 12/16/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Quite the most startling truth about one of the most misunderstood totalitarian regimes of our times "

    — Partha, 11/25/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This was a great book, that covered the cultural revolution in China. I loved reading about the 3 generations of women who were so spunky, intelligent and resourceful in the face of incredibly horrible circumstances. "

    — Nova, 11/1/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I think I might read this one again soon. Such a moving tale of people facing adversity. "

    — Clare, 8/24/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Fascinating way to learn a little about the world's most persistent culture. "

    — Craig, 8/14/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I am glad I stuck with this although it is a tough read. I am ashamed that I had no idea just how crazy and vicious Mao and his policies were - this is s story of real triumph and determination! "

    — Ninon, 7/9/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Good book. Another assignment for women's literature perspectives class - comparative of three generations is interesting. "

    — Klinda, 2/3/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This book is amazing. The first time I read it, there were parts where I had to put it down and walk away for a few days because it made me so angry or overwhelmingly sad. For a book that is so densely packed with information, it is very human and not at all dry. This is easily my favourite book. "

    — Raz, 6/25/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I love this book it is a wonderful book for sports fanns "

    — Chelsey, 5/18/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " The princess sets out to find her brothers who have not been in her life. As she discovers they are bewitched, she goes above and beyond to set them free. I would use this story as another form of exposure to students. This story is not one I had picked up before. "

    — Elizabeth, 10/20/2010
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Barefoot Books strikes again. I have yet to disappointed with something by these publishers. The story is, of course, wonderful, and I enjoyed the beautiful artwork. "

    — Sam, 11/13/2009
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Beautiful...My favorite fairie tale when I was a child...I still think of this book when I see swans... "

    — Sarah, 3/20/2009
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This looked better than it was. But I love books that involve fantasy and I am a fan when they tie swans into the mix. This will be a great part of my collection. "

    — Rebecca, 6/19/2008
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I loved this story as a little girl. The illustrations are fantastic. "

    — Brandy, 6/2/2008
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Nice illustrations ..and story...Kathy Blose "

    — Kathy, 6/1/2008
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This is Ehrlich's retelling of the Hans Christian Anderson fairly tale. What a beautiful story of family love and loyalty! "

    — Sasha, 4/30/2008
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " not the same illustrated version I have (mine is by Susan Jeffers circa early 80s and outrageously beautiful) but I love this fairy tale. I really return to it as a center of personal mythology over and over again especially in my work. xoxoxo "

    — Ida, 10/9/2007
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " The story is Hans Christian Anderson, the pictures are Susan Jeffers, and both are beautiful. It's a very haunting story and it was one of my favorites when I was little. "

    — Emily, 6/11/2007

About Hans Christian Andersen

Hans Christian Andersen (1805–1875) was born in Odense, Denmark, the son of a poor shoemaker and a washerwoman. As a young teenager, he became quite well known in Odense as a reciter of drama and as a singer. When he was fourteen, he set off for the capital, Copenhagen, determined to become a national success on the stage. He failed miserably, but made some influential friends in the capital who got him into school to remedy his lack of proper education. In 1829 his first book was published. After that, books came out at regular intervals. His stories began to be translated into English as early as 1846. Since then, numerous editions, and more recently Hollywood songs and Disney cartoons, have helped to ensure the continuing popularity of the stories in the English-speaking world.