For Whom the Bell Tolls

Written by:
Ernest Hemingway
Narrated by:
Campbell Scott

Unabridged Audiobook

Ratings
Book
268
Narrator
36
Release Date
May 2006
Duration
16 hours 25 minutes
Summary
Ernest Hemingway's masterpiece on war, love, loyalty, and honor tells the story of Robert Jordan, an antifascist American fighting in the Spanish Civil War.

In 1937 Ernest Hemingway traveled to Spain to cover the civil war there for the North American Newspaper Alliance. Three years later he completed the greatest novel to emerge from “the good fight” and one of the foremost classics of war literature.

For Whom the Bell Tolls tells of loyalty and courage, love and defeat, and the tragic death of an ideal. Robert Jordan, a young American in the International Brigades, is attached to an antifascist guerilla unit in the mountains of Spain. In his portrayal of Jordan’s love for the beautiful Maria and his superb account of a guerilla leader’s last stand, Hemingway creates a work at once rare and beautiful, strong and brutal, compassionate, moving, and wise. Greater in power, broader in scope, and more intensely emotional than any of the author’s previous works, For Whom the Bell Tolls stands as one of the best war novels ever written.
Reviews
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Allott B.

Disappointed. Had not read it but have enjoyed many of Hemingway's works. The Sun Also Rises is a favourite. Especially read out loud (I will read it now) the rhythm and repetition were brutal. The narration was outstanding making the prose all the more suspect. An important work and I will read it soon but...I need a break to be fair. Passionate but leaves me wondering.

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Albert

This is one of the great novels of the 20th Century. The expert narration and voice characteristics of the narrator make it one of the materpieces of the Simply Audiobooks collection. I had not read it, so I was looking forward to it. I was not disappointed. If you are not familiar with the history surrounding the Spanish Civil War (1930s), I suggest you read something in preparation to give you the context.

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Linda M.

I thoroughly enjoyed this reading of "For Whom the Bell Tolls." The story is real, is interesting, and one truly gets to "feel" the characters. The narration was superb. Campbell Scott took on the voices of the many different characters in a very believable and convincing way. I read the book many years ago but feel that I did not lose a lot by listening to it this time. Hemingway's writing is straightforward while still being descriptive. A great listen, and an important work.

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Kristin V.

Grueling and stunning. Fabulous narration by Campbell Scott. Vivid portraits of individuals trapped/caught up in the Spanish Civil War.

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Lauren M.

Enjoyed this book very much! Great narration Mr. Scott!

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Patrick M.

I am currently going back to classic American writer’s works. I really enjoy this work of Hemingway. The narrator did a great job and the story line and the writing are classic Hemingway.

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Archie Worsham

I started this books a few years ago. However, this book found itself in the far reaches of my digital library. After watching A Midnight In Paris, I was passionately moved to give the book another chance. The book gives the feeling of living behind the frontline in Spain during the Civil War. It’s moving and raw. I was surprised to find that this book was once very controversial due to sexual content and political thoughts. It’s a great read.

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Deborah D.

I have taught books by Hemingway in the past, but had only seen the classic movie version of For Whom the Bell Tolls. The book far surpassed my already high expectations and the experience was greatly enhanced by the superb reader who did an outstanding job with the dialogue and voices of various characters and Robert Jordan's interior monologues. I highly recommend this audiobook. I fully agree with the helpful and positive comments below by Albert and Freya Scott-Turner.

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Freya Scott-Turner

Gripping story and brilliantly read!

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Tonya Morris

I know this book is a classic and that is partly why I chose to read if but it took a while to get going. Robert Jordan was my kind of hero, the unlikely, I don't give a sh*t sort. This book brings up some facts about war I think we can still learn from. I found Hemmingway's

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Tierza Pope

Loved this book. Excellent classical read!! I believe everyone needs to read this book

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Anonymous

Classic novel, amazing reader. I didn't want my commute to end!

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Anonymous

Didn't want this book to end. Excellent read/listen :)

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Anonymous

A great novel by any standard, and a must read for lovers of literature. The story is set during the Spanish civil war in 1937 -- very important to the character development -- but it is really about a man coming to terms with his life and its value. The novel covers only a few days, but is actually a life-time for Robert Jordan. He discovers love, compassion, friendship, sacrifice, and ultimately peace. One of the most impressive aspects of this novel is Hemingway's skill at making you feel as if you are reading (listening to) the book in Spanish. The words thrown in and the grammar/syntax are expertly worked. I've never read anything even close to his skill at this. Masterful. When it is done, you will hear Robert Jordan's voice echoing in your head for days.

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Anonymous

Hemingway's For Whom the Bell Tolls is seemingly limited in its audience appeal: How many readers can relate to the Spanish Civil War? Actually, quite a few people will find themselves affected by this priceless piece of prose. Autonomy, love, betrayal, friendship, passion---these are human conditions that cross all geographical and historical boundaries. The narration is lovely and the story is riveting. If you like Hemingway at all, you'll love this novel. He exhibits the best of his extolled writing techniques and develops both characters and plot that will keep you thinking long after the last CD has ended.

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Anonymous

I couldnt get into this book. I sent it back after listening to half of it. The reader was bland and mono-tone. No expresstion or even variations in the character voices. The writting itself was also bland. No excitement at all. Thank goodness I'm not in the situation where I have to actually finish this book. Don't bother!

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Wayne Ayers

One of the greatest works of the twentieth century. Reads like a best selling page-turner, deals with the great themes of existence, death, responsibility, love and friendship--what else is there? You will be awed...

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