The Wreck of the Golden Mary


Read by James E. Carson

(3.9 stars; 32 reviews)

The Wreck of the Golden Mary is a gripping short story by Charles Dickens that transports listeners to the treacherous waters of the 1850s. Set against the backdrop of a perilous voyage to the California gold fields, the narrative unfolds as the ship Golden Mary attempts to navigate the daunting Cape Horn, only to face the harrowing challenges of nature and fate.

Through vivid descriptions and rich characterizations, Dickens explores themes of survival, human resilience, and the unpredictability of the sea. The story captures the tension and camaraderie among the crew and passengers as they confront their dire circumstances, revealing the depths of their hopes and fears.

With its blend of adventure and introspection, The Wreck of the Golden Mary stands out as a poignant reflection on the human spirit in the face of adversity, making it a compelling listen for fans of nautical fiction and classic literature alike.

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Section 1 45:04 Read by James E. Carson
Section 2 35:12 Read by James E. Carson

Reviews

The Wreck of The Wreck of the Golden Mary


<br />I listened to this via <a href="http://www.archive.org/details/wreckgoldenmary_jc_librivox" rel="nofollow">LibriVox</a>, which was narrated using the <a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/files/1465/1465-h/1465-h.htm" rel="nofollow">Project Gutenberg version</a> apparently. The Gutenberg version has been cut short about half way through, so the LibriVox recording is "abridged" at best, but more likely bowdlerized by some unseen hand long ago. The full unabridged story is available from the original source: the <a href="http://www.archive.org/stream/householdwords14dickmiss#page/572/mode/2up" rel="nofollow">1856 copy of <i>Household Words</i> at Internet Archive</a>. Dickens wrote the long intro up to where John Steadiman takes over the narrative, which is then picked up by Wilkie Collins. Other authors contributed the later stories. Dickens envisioned the ship wreck story as being an introductory frame narrative from which to hang other stories written by his team at <i>Household Words</i> magazine: in the frame story, survivors would tell tales to pass the time in the open boats. Overall I found the whole thing confusing and sentimental, and un-Dickens.

(Spoiler Alert)


(0.5 stars)

Nothing happens... the story slowly builds (slowly) and then... the end. Not what I was expecting.

excellent reader


(4 stars)

great narrator but not Dickens' best. gives new meaning to "cliff hanger."