Black Beauty

Perfect reading of my favorite book

Black Beauty has been my favorite book since childhood. I know it through and through, and there are some passages that I know by heart. I have never liked the various TV and movie adaptations of the story, and was particularly annoyed by Beauty's voice in the 1999 movie version, in which he sounds like a gerbil. When I found this recording by Nathaniel Parker, an actor I have long respected, I knew I had found the right one. I was not disappointed. Parker gives this moving, thought-provoking classic all the right touches. He brings the story to life with the different accents for the human characters and the lively voices for the equine characters, who are of course the most important. He made me smile at the humorous moments and brought tears to my eyes at the sad moments. Most importantly to me, in portraying Black Beauty, he sounds like a noble, spirited, thoughtful horse. Not a gerbil, not a man, but a horse. I don't know how he managed that, but he did it. I can't recommend this recording highly enough to those who already love this book or to those who are coming to it for the first time. You are in for a treat.

10 people found this helpful

a classic beautifully read

The classic tale of this famous fictional horse is beautifully read by one of the best readers around, the English actor Nathaniel Parker. As with all of his readings, he brings dramatic skill, sensitivity, and vocal dexterity into play once again. A treat for both child and adult, and a great gift for a special occasion (or even 'just because').

6 people found this helpful

Wonderful reading of a classic

If you remember reading and re-reading this book as a child, then this audiobook is a new way to enjoy the story. The narrator is classic British - good characterizations and very clear speech. I listened to this audiobook almost continuously until the end!

4 people found this helpful

To fast !!

I love the story ,but It is tooo fast. I am just warning you that you might need to slow down the sound a bit

1 person found this helpful

Classic horse story holds true and relevant!

While I hadn't read this book in at least 30 years, it has held true. Reminding people to be kind and considerate to both animals and people. Giving a very different point of view, than one usually experiences.

1 person found this helpful

Fantastic Audiobook

Nathaniel Parker was amazing and a true joy to listen to. This has become my favorite reading and one of my favorite books!

1 person found this helpful

Childhood favorite!

If you could sum up Black Beauty in three words, what would they be?

Horse survives Humans!

Would you recommend Black Beauty to your friends? Why or why not?

Yes, however I found myself bored a little and remembered how important pictures can be to a children's story. The story is good, but pictures improve it.

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

He is an excellent narrator and this is one of his best! Very much enjoyed his performance.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Beauty can do it!

3 people found this helpful

Favorite story, a truly classic!

Well written and well narrated! A beautiful story of life and the pitfalls of animal cruelty. If I had one complaint it is that there are a couple of points where the volume drops in the recording. I did not dock stars in case the issue is with actually with my hardware.

I LOVE this story

I have always loved this book and would recommend it to anyone who loves horses and or rides like me. I give this rating because I think this book it overall perfect

well executed adaptation.

Great example of making a point with a story rather than a lecture. Acting was great. British accents understandable by Americans.