Zorba the Greek

By: Nikos Kazantzakis

Narrated by: George Guidall

Length: 12 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

A wonderful tale of a young man’s coming of age, Zorba the Greek has been a classic of world literature since it was first translated into English in 1952 and made into an unforgettable movie with Anthony Quinn. Zorba, an irrepressible, earthy hedonist, sweeps his young disciple along as he wines, dines, and loves his way through a life dedicated to fulfilling his copious appetites. Zorba is irresistible in this charming audio production by veteran narrator George Guidall.

©1961 Faber and Faber Limited (P)1996 Recorded Books, LLC

A Guide on How To Live

If you have ever struggled to escape the straight jacket of reason, study the example of Zorba the Greek. Courageous, bold, and shrewd, Zorba mastered the art of living passionately without being ruled by his passions.

The sympathetic reader will give Zorba his due when he claimed at the end of his life that men like him should live a thousand years.

George Guidall gives a masterly narration of this classic tale.

One of the best books I've come across in a while

Not only is this a quaint and often times amusing story, but offers to teach us a thing or few about our own nature. I'm glad I took the suggestion. I'll definitely be reading this one again.

The narration made it worthwhile

Is there anything you would change about this book?

No.

Would you recommend Zorba the Greek to your friends? Why or why not?

Yes. The book because I have such mixed feelings about it, I want to know what they make of it. The audiobook because the narration was pitch perfect.

What does George Guidall bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He gets the characters so well, it is hard to imagine it could have been any other way than the way in which he has narrated it. I simply love his performance (in this book as well as American Gods).

Could you see Zorba the Greek being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

Surely, as a matter of fact, it already has been.

Any additional comments?

I am not reviewing the book, as I am willing to grant that my inability to enjoy stems from my not "getting" the book completely. But it is hard to oversell Guidall.

A classic

The narrator was excellent in his timing, phrasing and assumption of different characters.
The story is a classic. I saw the movie with Anthony Quinn, years ago, x2. So glad to hear the book.

Officially one of my favorites books ever

a character that I can't help but to care for. To hell with reviews. May God and the devil be with us.

breath of fresh air

listen read whatever, this story makes you want to live a different type of life, enjoy life, enjoy this book

Story was amazing, but narrator was meh

This is a story about the ultimate rascal, Alexis Zorbas. However, I do not think the narrator personified the soul of this character correctly. It was an injustice to any person who has read this book before. Subscribers of audible should just read this book out loud instead.

Inspiring. Real.

I read a lot. For some reason the title Zorba the Greek had always turned me off, but this is very likely my favorite book of all time. Life is such a struggle and Zorba is so real, so inspiring. I want to be more of a Zorba, to live life in the moment, to cut the brakes on the train of life and just go nonstop. The translation does not feel like a translation, and the performance/reading is beautiful. I recommended the book to everyone. Kazantzakis captures life and the world beautifully.

High grade storytelling

Absolutely one of the best books I've ever read. I recommend everyone read this book at least once. So immersive, so many top quality nuggets.

So much more than the film

I saw the film years ago, and loved it, but at that time I had no feel for the depth of the philosophical discussions between Zorba and the narrator. This is a fascinating insight into the wild life of a true natural, who always acts on his instincts and his relationship with a bookworm. This is such a good tale, fast moving, reminding me of wonderful visits to Greece, with the vivid descriptions of Crete, I highly recommend it. Also the narrator George Guidall does a fantastic job. Congratulations.