Great Audio Update for Classic Mermaid Tale!

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The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Andersen is a classic fairy tale that was first published nearly 200 years ago. This story has captured the imagination of millions, resulting in hundreds of adaptations, including a ballet and one of Walt Disney's most famous movies of all time. The Disney version of the Little Mermaid took many of the basic plot points from the original short story: it revolves around the youngest mermaid of the Sea King who on her 15th birthday visits the surface of the ocean; at the surface, she observes a handsome young prince sailing on his ship and she immediately falls in love with him; she saves his life after an unexpected storm catches the ship unprepared and is destroyed; and because she just can't live without the prince, the Little Mermaid exchanges her tongue to the sea witch in exchange for human legs. This is where the similarity with the Disney version ends.

The Little Mermaid endures great pain in order to be with the prince. But because she is mute, the Prince is persuaded to marry another and The Little Mermaid is basically relegated to not much more than "pet" status. The Little Mermaid accompanies the bride and groom on the bridal ship whereupon her sisters present her with a knife to kill the prince in exchange for her tail back. But rather than kill the Prince while he is sleeping, she throws herself into the ocean to die. But, instead of becoming foam like other mermaids who die, the Little Mermaid becomes a "daughter of the air" to help children be good for 300 years. Although at first I was surprised by the ending, I then remembered that old Victorian fairy tales were written for children to teach lessons and to scare them into good behavior.

I listened to the Audible version of this story narrated by Andrea Emmes who did a wonderful job. She has a nice smooth voice and provides consistent voices for all characters. Her narration really contributed to my satisfaction of the story. I recommend this audiobook to anyone who enjoys listening to classic folk and fairy tales. I received a copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

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2 people found this helpful

The real story behind Ariel

Being a huge Disney fan it is always amazing to hear the real story behind the Disney one. The old tales were always darker (obviously) than the Disney ones and I find they make a great companion to the story. It's interesting to see what is kept, lost, and changed. I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.

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Good audiobook

Would you listen to The Little Mermaid again? Why?

I would listen to the story again, it was an original reading.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Little Mermaid?

The end of the story was very tragic.

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

No,I haven't, but the narrowing matches the storyline.

Any additional comments?

“I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.”

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Loved it

Love Hans Christian Andersen. The narrator really brought this classic story to life. Just wonderful.

I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.

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it was ok

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

No, i don't think i would. I like listening to the original stories but they are just so different then the story i am used to they seem a little disappointing

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

I was a lot surprised i am so used to disney versions that when i hear the way it was originally written i am shocked.

Which character – as performed by Andrea Emmes – was your favorite?

I can't say i have a favorite besides the little mermaid.

Do you think The Little Mermaid needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

No, there really isn't anywhere it could really go

Any additional comments?

"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast."

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Just A Little Too Short

I only knew this story from the Danny Kaye movie, “Hans Christian Andersen” and Disney. Having the opportunity to read/listen to the original Hans Christian Andersen story was a pleasure. I know stories tend to change for a variety of reasons, good and bad when they are adapted from book to the screen, but I was still surprised at the changes made to this story as depicted on the silver screen. I’m glad I got the opportunity to check out the original version. If pressed to critique something, I only wish the story was just a bit longer.

Finally, this audio book was provided by the narrator at no cost in exchange for an honest review, courtesy of Audio Book Boom.

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Classic and Well Read

The original, classic story of the Little Mermaid. In this original story the little mermaid was not only looking for love, but was looking for an eternal soul. I had read it years ago, but had forgotten some of the story line. This is not Disney! I absolutely loved it, but what made it great was the narration. The narrator truly brought this story to life. The prosody and flow of the reading was superb, and she had me spellbound. In my opinion, everyone should listen to his story.

This book was provided to me at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review.

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wow! good but not the fully disney story.

wow, not the disney version.

This is a great story, though I do not believe it is one for small children. its not all sunshine and roses. Beautifully told. and short. only 53 minutes. I do wish it was longer. it was told so well. I now know where Disney kind of got their idea

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Perfect!

I’m already very familiar with Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid and have read it many time before, but this was the first time that I’ve listened to it in an audio format. I’m very impressed with Andrea Emme’s performance! Her voice is crisp and clear and she reads at the most perfect pace; not slow, and not too fast.

The original Little Mermaid is nothing like the Disney version everyone seems to know and love. I highly recommend this audiobook to people who have never read the original by Hans Christian Andersen, and for those that already know this tale because of the wonderful narration. This audiobook is only 53 minutes long and it is definitely a book that you can listen to over and over again.

I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.

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2 people found this helpful

great listen!

I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.

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