The Baron in the Trees

By: Italo Calvino, Ana Goldstein - translator

Narrated by: Jefferson Mays

Length: 8 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

A landmark new translation of a Calvino classic, a whimsical, spirited novel that imagines a life lived entirely on its own terms.

Cosimo di Rondo, a young Italian nobleman of the 18th century, rebels against his parents by climbing into the trees and remaining there for the rest of his life. He adapts efficiently to an existence in the forest canopy - he hunts, sows crops, plays games with earthbound friends, fights forest fires, solves engineering problems, and even manages to have love affairs. From his perch in the trees, Cosimo sees the Age of Enlightenment pass by and a new century dawn.

The Baron in the Trees exemplifies Calvino's peerless ability to weave tales that sparkle with enchantment. This new English rendering by acclaimed translator Ann Goldstein breathes new life into one of Calvino's most beloved works.

©1957 Giulio Einaudi Editore S.p.A., Torino; 2017 Ana Goldstein (Translation) (P)2018 Recorded Books

Unusual

This is a very creative tale. The narration is excellent. At times, however, I found the story a bit tedious.Although the book has been translated from Italian well, the French is not translated to English. That doesn’t ruin the story, but leaves the non-French-speaking reader in the dark at times.

What a fantastic story

Beautifully written story, with laughs and wonder. I felt transported. I recommend you listen or read. lots of French + Spanish.

A rendition that mostly honors Calvino

Mr. Mays does a superb job with all the voices and languages...no small feat! But there is a jaw-dropping producer mistake on p. 201 of the Colquhon translation where the producers cut a few sentences and you can audibly hear Mr. Mays fumbling. In this day and age, that's simply unacceptable. I'm surprised it hasn't been fixed.

As much as a love Calvino, this isn't one of his best novels. It's episodic, so you have to stay with the author as he unspools his thread. The journey is worth it, but the central narrative conceit wears thin by that time. Still, highly recommended!

Beautiful

Engaging. Heartwrenching. Beautiful. I just finished it and... I am speechless. The story is magnificent and the narration keeps up the match of voice and pace en par with the story.

. Very disappointed in the story.

Lacked imagination. same boring thing nothing really changed. in the end I was very disappointed.

Delightfully imaginative and hugely hilarious

I found this book absolutely entertaining. Calvino has an extraordinary imagination. And the writing evokes amazing imagery. The narrator was excellent as well, enhancing Calvino’s words with a nuanced voice. Listening to “The Baron in the Trees” provided me with many happy hours of delight.

Interesting Concept

This book had an interesting and different sort of storyline, but it wasn’t quite executed well enough to keep my mind from wandering.

I listened at a higher audio speed which helped. The narrator was above average, I felt.

The Baron in the Trees

This is such a charming story. A young man, a member of Italian nobility, decides on a whim to spend all his hours in the trees around his home and town. He gives up life on the ground altogether, completely adapting to existing among the branches. He goes from being a curiosity to being a respected and influential member of society, living his life through Napoleonic times, loving women, caring for the forest, having adventures.

Jefferson Mays is a great reader.

Calvino has always been on my list. This did not disappoint.

Meandering story, but great narrator

I did not care for the story much, except for the opening chapters and the very end. However, the narrator, Jefferson Mays, was really great.

Highly Recommended

I have enjoyed this unusual and engaging story. Recommended for a relaxing and imaginative read.