The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas (Audio Book)

Title: The Three Musketeers
Author: Alexandre Dumas
Narrator: Michael York
First Published: 1844
Running time: 6hrs, 15min, 58sec
Format: Audio Book
Rating: 9/10

Synopsis:
D'Artagnan, arriving in Paris from Gascony with no horse and few worldly goods wishes to join the King's Guards. He finds himself in the company of three musketeers, Athos, Porthos and Aramis, the most renowned fighters of their day. The adventures they share, fighting for the honour of the Queen against the machinations of 'Milady', are rich in drama, colour and romance, which is why The Three Musketeers has remained so popular since its first serialisation in 1844.

Review:
I absolutely adored this audio book version of the classic swashbuckler as, being read by Michael York, it was as though D’Artagnion himself were narrating the tale (Michael York, of course, played the young hero to great effect in the 1973 film). He managed to capture both the essence and the vocal expression of his fellow stars from the film in his reading – really, he was the perfect choice to read The Three Musketeers!

The story itself is well known, but Dumas’ writing is superb and really should be experienced first-had. His descriptive passages are judged to perfection – neither too lengthy nor involved, but never skimping or leaving the reader in any doubt as to what is before them.

This is not just a classic tale of good versus evil, but has deliberately blurred lines which are crossed by all the characters on multiple occasions, asking the discerning reader to consider the context and implications of the characters’ actions before judging their behaviour. It is also a romp the likes of which it would be hard to beat – the swordplay is always quick and the author never stints on the danger as the heroes are thrust headlong into action.

If you’ve never read this, whether or not you’ve seen a film version, pick it up, turn the pages, and become completely absorbed in this most passionate, adventurous tale – I promise you will not regret it!