Galapagos

By: Kurt Vonnegut

Narrated by: Jonathan Davis

Galapagos takes the listener back one million years to AD 1986. A simple vacation cruise suddenly becomes an evolutionary journey. Thanks to an apocalypse, a small group of survivors stranded on the Galapagos Islands are about to become the progenitors of a brave, new, totally different human race.

Kurt Vonnegut, America's master satirist, looks at our world and shows us all that is sadly, madly awry - and all that is worth saving.

As an added bonus, when you purchase our Audible Modern Vanguard production of Kurt Vonnegut's book, you'll also receive an exclusive Jim Atlas interview. This interview – where James Atlas interviews Gay Talese about the life and work of Kurt Vonnegut – begins as soon as the audiobook ends.

This production is part of our Audible Modern Vanguard line, a collection of important works from groundbreaking authors.©1985 Kurt Vonnegut (P)2008 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Beautiful...provocative, arresting reading." ( USA Today)

"Vonnegut is a post-modern Mark Twain.... Galapagos is a madcap genealogical adventure." ( The New York Times Book Review)

"The best Vonnegut novel yet!" (John Irving)

Imagination,satire,Darwinism

Funny and sad at the same time. Interesting naturalist pictures of wildlife of Galápagos Islands along with and embedded in the story, that I appreciated because of my upcoming trip to Galapagos. Very good reader.

Vonnegut.

Quirky, wonderful science fiction. As poignant in 2024 as when it was written.
Started Gravity’s Rainbow before Galapagos. Different, sure, but similarly epic in spots. Both transport you in similar ways. Rainbow: too long. Galapagos: too short. Which is the best compliment, I think, of a favorite book: too damned short.
Also, the reading was perfect. Acting and intonation added to the flow, never took me out of the narrative.

Wittily Kurt V but dull storyline of human devolution

I loved Breakfast of the Champions and Slaughterhouse Five, and was lucky enough to visit the Galapagos a few years ago, so thought this would be a must-read. KV’s dry wit and sarcasm transpires, but since the plot twist happens early on in the story to a bunch of misfits, the backstories of each misfit is quite dull to work through. It’s hard to care about human characters with little intrigue. KV’s descriptions of the wildlife, natural selection and human devolution carries the story. The narrator was great with voicing all the different characters, and I appreciated the interview recording after the novel for context and on KV and peer writers’ lives.

Interesting Cast of Characters

I think this was an overall good listen. I enjoyed learning about each character, and non-linear story line was refreshing. Also, kudos to the voice actor, he did a great job at portraying both male and female characters. His voice was very nice on the ears. I haven't read or listened to much Kurt Vonnegut, but this has definitely wet my appetite for reading more.

Daunting and Enlightening

Where does Galapagos rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Number two, right after The Alchemist.

Who was your favorite character and why?

My favorite character would have to be The Captain because for all his faults, vanity and ignorance he seemed the most real.

Have you listened to any of Jonathan Davis’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No. But I loved his voice and he, like Jeremy Irons, seems to embody each and every character as though they existed inside him.

Who was the most memorable character of Galapagos and why?

Most memorable character...hmmm. Ok, I'd said it is Mary. She is consistent and steadfast in her faith of humanity. Right up to the end she risks it all to save what she believes will improve the minds of future generations...but thanks to Vonnegut's wry sense of humor...I won't be a spoiler.

Any additional comments?

Vonnegut's style is both depressing and playful but more than anything he cuts through to the truth many have not and will not face.