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  • The Toilers of the Sea

  • By: Victor Hugo
  • Narrated by: Patrick Dickson
  • Length: 6 hrs and 52 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (18 ratings)
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The Toilers of the Sea cover art

The Toilers of the Sea

By: Victor Hugo
Narrated by: Patrick Dickson
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Summary

Victor Hugo wrote this wonderful story while living in exile on the island of Guernsey, which is where the adventure unfolds. Set in the early 1800s, The Toilers of the Sea tells off a young reclusive fisherman who falls dangerously in love with a beautiful island girl. Her uncle, himself an intrepid seafarer, is the owner of a paddle-steamer, which plies its trade to and from St. Malo on the coast of Brittany. The vessel is wrecked on a remote reef in suspicious circumstances, and our brave young fisherman sets out alone to salvage the all-important machinery, the steam engine itself. If he succeeds, he will return home to the promised hand of the girl he daren't even talk to.

Like his contemporary, Charles Dickens, Victor Hugo paints boldly on a huge canvas. His characters are compelling and colorful. Through them, he explores the values and the morality of his times. In this novel, he pits them not only against each other and their hard circumstances, but also against the elements themselves in the rough and rocky seas of the "Norman Archipelago".

Patrick Dickson has intelligently abridged this terrific novel focusing on the drama of the adventure and the plight of its characters. Like Hugo, he spent 15 years of his life on the island of Guernsey, and he brings a unique sensibility to the storytelling. He is an actor with extensive narrating experience. This is his first self-produced audiobook.

©2015 Patrick Dickson (P)2015 Patrick Dickson

What listeners say about The Toilers of the Sea

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic listening on sea side holiday

I've always wanted to listen to this book but have never found a well read version. This one however is perfect! Read by a true Guernsey man with a smattering of sound effects that really immerse you into the story. I listened to this whilst on holiday next to the sea in Cornwall and it was the perfect companion.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

wonderful

after visiting Guernsey I was keen on reading this book and it exceeded my expectations. not only was i transported back to that beautiful island, I loved the story and it's determination and melancholy amongst the hope it aspires. great listen.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Brilliant ,captivating ,creative exiting, sad,

"brilliant, captivating ,creative ,exiting"great read Victor Hugo. is a good 📚 and puts your mind there with power strength of narrative skill.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
  • Jo
  • 06-02-16

Dramatic story

If you could sum up The Toilers of the Sea in three words, what would they be?

Gripping, entertaining, Guernsey

Who was your favorite character and why?

Gilliatt, the hero, for his determination and generosity.

Have you listened to any of Patrick Dickson’s other performances? How does this one compare?

This is the first

Any additional comments?

Anyone who knows and loves Guernsey should listen to this.

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