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Candide

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Candide

Written by: Voltaire
Narrated by: Jack Davenport
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Candide, published simultaneously in five European capitals in 1759, became an instant bestseller and is now regarded as one of the key texts of the Enlightenment.

This is a witty allegory of a young man whose optimism gives way to disillusionment after a series of terrible misfortunes.

Voltaire’s preoccupations with evil and with various kinds of human folly and intolerance found a perfect vehicle in this philosophical tale. A master storyteller, he combined often wildly entertaining action with profoundly serious sense, parodying the traditional chivalric and oriental tales with which his public was more familiar.

(P)2004 , 2010 by AudioGO, Ltd.
Classics Fiction Historical Fiction Literature & Fiction Witty
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What the critics say

“Voltaire, a pivotal figure in the Enlightenment, made his mark with this satiric triumph following the woes of a young man who fell in love with the wrong woman.”

(Audible.com)

“Penned by that Renaissance man of the Enlightenment, Voltaire, Candide is steeped in the political and philosophical controversies of the 1750s. But for the general reader, the novel’s driving principle is clear enough: the idea that we live in the best of all possible worlds, and apparent folly, misery, and strife are actually harbingers of a greater good we cannot perceive, is hogwash.”

(Amazon.com)
All stars
Most Relevant
If I could produce a movie, this would be the one! A perfect analysis of Man and Life. In a world filled with theoretical optimism, it’s important not to ignore the potential harsh realities of life in our assessments.

Almost on the same level as the Alchemist

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Entertaining, but a bit too ridiculous by today’s stands. Still, quite short and worth the listen.

Over the top

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