The Truth Is a Cave in the Black Mountains

By: Neil Gaiman

Narrated by: Neil Gaiman

Length: 1 hr and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

You ask me if I can forgive myself? I can forgive myself....

And so begins The Truth Is a Cave in the Black Mountains, a haunting story of family, the otherworld, and a search for hidden treasure. This audiobook is brought to vivid life by the characters and landscape of Gaiman’s award-winning story. In this volume, the talents and vision of two great creative geniuses come together in a glorious explosion of color and shadow, memory and regret, vengeance and, ultimately, love.

...for many things. For where I left him. For what I did.

©2010 Neil Gaiman (P)2014 HarperCollins Publishers

I listened twice.

What made the experience of listening to The Truth Is a Cave in the Black Mountains the most enjoyable?

Granted, it's a short story, but I listened twice. I never do that. Loved the book. Don't know if Gaiman writes sequels, but if he did, I would love to read more about the main character. Writing this review, I can picture the scenes he painted in my mind's eye: dark and foreboding. Loved it. Will probably listen to it again.

I really liked this

For those worrying about the "intrusive" music - it fits wonderfully, and if anything the idea of all of these reviews mentioning how distracting it is will make one think of it too much.
instead, I compare this to something like The VVitch or The Lighthouse, a more modern horror story where various disturbing imagery (along with music) is meant to carry an eerie vibe throughout - and in this respect I think the story succeeded heavily.
Neil Gaiman is a master at narrating his own work, and I'll never tire of his voice.

I loved this book

I’m not one for writing reviews of anything - but I so loved this book I felt compelled to do so. The combination of fairy tale story telling & Gaiman's voice moved me deeply in some unexplained primal way. Never have listen to or reread a book so soon after finishing it - but I could not help myself.
I loved this book

Another Great Story by the Great Neil Gaiman

You just can't go wrong with any story written and read by Neil Gaiman. While another great short story by him, this version really suffered by the musical accompaniment in my opinion. In many places, the music was just too loud and didn't seem to add much overall. I'd definitely recommend trying to find a version without the music added.

Like a lost fairytale

Would you consider the audio edition of The Truth Is a Cave in the Black Mountains to be better than the print version?

They both have a different "art" to enjoy. The book has Gaiman's textual voice and the beautiful artworks of Eddie Campbell, but on the other hand, the audiobook has Gaiman's actual storytelling voice and the musical background ambiance created by a very professional group. On a personal level I accidentally bumped into Neil Gaiman at an airport while listening to the audiobook, so if that's not fate/kismet, I don't know what is; which is why I would consider the audio better on a personal level. I also sent this audiobook to several friends as a gift, it's the one I first reach for because it's short and highly atmospheric.

Which scene was your favorite?

when the short man is encountering Calum MacInnes for the first time and asks his help

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Journey to the Misty Isle

Any additional comments?

The Hobbit meets Norse Myth meets Fairytales

spellbinding!

Gaiman has a most amazing voice. I am spellbound every time! The music is fantastic as well.

Great story. Could have done without the music.

This was a really good story, and Neil Gaiman is, as always, an excellent narrator. Unfortunately, someone decided that what this story needed was an orchestra as loud as five jet engines duct-taped together. There were moments here and there when the music was in sync with the story's mood, but mostly it was like trying to listen to one person while a second pesron chatters in your other ear. That's why the book got 4 stars for performance and 4 stars overall. If you can deal with the distracting occasionally obscuring music, then I still recomend this. Otherwise, there is aleways the hardcopy.

Great Story but...

I love Neil Gaiman stories. This one did not disappoint but the music was a little overpowering at points and too distracting from the story. It actually gave me a headache at one point, but still a great story.

Short story that intrigues!

An excellent short story, fascinating lore of the Highlands & Islands. Just the right length for a short story but I found myself wanting more. Neil Gaiman reads the story to perfection.

This is something to add to your collection.

I absolutely adore Neil Gaiman's writing and I love when he narrates his own stories! This is a wonderful twist on conventional fairytales and seems like a commentary on how much we value material wealth versus family/people. Plus, it is spooky!