Unexpected

Would you listen to Stephen Fry Presents a Selection of Oscar Wilde's Short Stories again? Why?

I'm not sure if I would listen again. I love listening to Stephen Fry, regardless of what he's reading, really. But the tone of this collection of short stories left me in a peculiar mood. I was not very familiar with much of Wilde's work, I have read one or two plays, but never his stories like these. They were fable-like, contained lots of moral lessons...but not in your usual bedtime story or fairytale manner. They were portrayed in a very cynical, pessimistic, sometimes almost defeated sounding way. If the author wrote them intending a commentary on the degradation of society and drowning out of innocent good in the world, lost to pompery and selfishness, he succeeded in sharing his disillusionment.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

They were interesting to me because they made me experience a new emotional reaction, and a memorable one because it defied my expectations. Every one of the stories had incredible imagery, and painted scenes more real and often more heart-wrenching than your average short-story. Though they contained vivid characters, both noble and ridiculous, and good stories, they left me feeling a little unfulfilled in their conclusions because though the plots formed and progressed and ended, for the most part they don't follow a satisfying pattern of problems being solved, protagonists succeeding, antagonists becoming enlightened and changing their ways, and good triumphing over evil.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Really, every story moved me, but the two that have struck me the most and pulled at my heart-strings still, days and days after listening, were the moments of the self-sacrifice of the birds in both "The Happy Prince" and "The Nightingale and The Rose", both for the good of a man/mankind, and both unappreciated by the world.

24 people found this helpful

curl up for an evening in

If you could sum up Stephen Fry Presents a Selection of Oscar Wilde's Short Stories in three words, what would they be?

warm, heartfelt, thoughtprovoking

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

Just as excellent as every else he has done. (yes I am a Fry fan!)

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

no, this is a treat to dip into

Any additional comments?

This was a lovely listen, perfect for a cool winter's night to cuddle up and listen to the mesmerising voice of Stephen Fry. The imagery is beautiful and there is always a sting to make you think. It is like having a favourite uncle read to you.

8 people found this helpful

An excellent listen

It's always special to listen to Stephen Fry read. It's extra special when he reads something that he himself loves and he loves Oscar Wilde.

This is a collection of very entertaining children stories. I'm not sure if we would consider these 'children stories' today but like Grimm's fairy tales they were at least intended to be for children when they were written.

7 people found this helpful

Bedtime Stories for Adults

I listen to a story every night before going to bed and it is just a pleasure to listen to Stephen Fry bringing life into Wilde's beautiful works.

Recommended for anyone who loves depth and emotion, humor and wit, profundity and triviality, and above all, a great story.

5 people found this helpful

Oscar Wilde's Short Stories

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely! It is awesome, done by Stephen Fry, and the stories hold your interest to the last.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Stephen Fry Presents a Selection of Oscar Wilde's Short Stories?

When the little fellow does all of the good deeds for the selfish man and he has no appreciation at all. Still the little has no animosity and goes on to the end doing good deeds.

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

Yes! Sherlock Holmes. Nothing compares to Stephen Fry' rendition of Sherlock Holmes!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, it was very short. You could read it to a child for a bedtime story.

4 people found this helpful

Literary Perfection

What did you love best about Stephen Fry Presents a Selection of Oscar Wilde's Short Stories?

The perfect marriage of narrator and story telling.

What other book might you compare Stephen Fry Presents a Selection of Oscar Wilde's Short Stories to and why?

The Bible meets The Wind In The Willows. This collection of stories is quite full of lessons on the beauty of love & vanity cloaked in children's stories.

Which scene was your favorite?

The Happy Prince - the sacrifice of true love.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

2 stories illicit tears.

Any additional comments?

If Oscar Wilde were alive he would be Stephen Frye.

3 people found this helpful

Wish I knew about these long ago

Valuable lessons buried in beautifully written little tales. Audible wants more words. Funny that you can submit a review with no words, but if you choose to use words you must use at least fifteen. Really, Audible, that's just nonsense.

1 person found this helpful

Fantastic

Wilde's bittersweet legends are filled with beauty, gentle humor, and human and social themes. Fry's reading is spectacular.
The only problem is that the last second or so of every story is cut off.

1 person found this helpful

Fry is fantastic

I did not enjoy was the fast change from one story to the next

1 person found this helpful

Fantastic for the whole family!

These stories are fabulous for trips, sparking lots of family conversations. Stephen Fry is terrific as the haughty miller!

3 people found this helpful