Zadig or the Book of Fate


Read by LibriVox Volunteers

(4.3 stars; 37 reviews)

Zadig, ou La Destinée, ("Zadig, or The Book of Fate") (1747) is a famous novel written by the French Enlightenment philosopher Voltaire. It tells the story of Zadig, a philosopher in ancient Babylonia. The author does not attempt any historical accuracy, and some of the problems Zadig faces are thinly disguised references to social and political problems of Voltaire's own day.

The book is philosophical in nature, and presents human life as in the hands of a destiny beyond human control. It is a story of religious and metaphysical orthodoxy, both of which Voltaire challenges with his presentation of the moral revolution taking place in Zadig himself. Voltaire's skillful use of the literary devices of contradiction and juxtaposition are shown in beautiful form in this prose. Behind Candide, it is considered one of his most celebrated works. (3 hr 47 min)

Chapters

Front Matter 5:19 Read by Carl Manchester
Chapter 1 9:33 Read by Carl Manchester
Chapter 2 6:07 Read by Carl Manchester
Chapter 3 13:18 Read by Lucy Burgoyne (1950 - 2014)
Chapter 4 13:18 Read by Lucy Burgoyne (1950 - 2014)
Chapter 5 6:34 Read by Nicholas James Bridgewater
Chapter 6 9:48 Read by Philippa Willitts
Chapter 7 13:48 Read by Nicholas James Bridgewater
Chapter 8 9:17 Read by Nicholas James Bridgewater
Chapter 9 9:20 Read by Ezwa
Chapter 10 7:36 Read by Arouet
Chapter 11 12:06 Read by Andy
Chapter 12 12:55 Read by Alan Clare
Chapter 13 10:59 Read by Andy
Chapter 14 11:04 Read by Andy
Chapter 15 30:58 Read by Alan Clare
Chapter 16 14:30 Read by Michelle White
Chapter 17 18:54 Read by Ted Delorme
Chapter 18 11:36 Read by Carl Manchester

Reviews

Ah, Fate!


(5 stars)

Being a good person may not be enough! Dear Zadig has a great disposition that allows him to suffer thru his fates. Poor man! Well told story. Readers did a good job.

Entertaining,


(4.5 stars)

the readers had very different styles so each chapter it took a couple minutes to get used to them. They all did a great job though!

Voltaire, Zadig....


(4.5 stars)

Voltaire is one of my favorites and this book is definitely up on the top of the list... Zadig is now one of my hero's.

GREAT RECORDING


(5 stars)

I love this recording. Over a year since I first listened to it and I still remember it with satisfaction.

Thought-provoking


(5 stars)

A timeless, though-provoking study in comparisons and yuxtapositions, excellently read by Librivox volunteers, each in their own style.

Funny


(5 stars)

I immensely enjoyed this work by Voltaire. His wit is magnificent. The volunteer readers did a fine job.


(0.5 stars)

Terrible readings. I could not goon listening after a while. Very disappointing .

good story


(4 stars)

Enjoyable book. Well read. Thanks!