Boriz Baatsen

A miserable ordeal

Revisado: 09-04-23

While my rating differs from most other reviews, I believe that our experiences reading this novel have been very much the same.

Both protagonist and reader are made to endure a seemingly endless row of minor difficulties in return for questionable rewards. In this manner, the book doesn't serve much of a narrative but instead tries to convey a variety of themes – in particular fatigue.

Don't come looking for a thrilling story and don't expect any deep, philosophical argumentation either. Read this book only if you can bear a deep sense of futility or thoroughly enjoy gossip and pettiness.

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Not a great story, but insightful

Revisado: 01-02-18

Is there anything you would change about this book?

The story feels at points little more than poorly-veiled metaphors weaved together into a coherent theme. While there is a clear goal and steady progression centred around Pinocchio, time and place often feel arbitrary and makes it hard to get entrenched into the world.

Would you be willing to try another book from Carlo Collodi? Why or why not?

The writing is subpar, even for its time. The author leaves no breathing room and rushes through events to get straight to the message. Characters feel monotone and superficial, atmosphere and scenery only get minimal attention. Exploring the world alongside Pinocchio didn't bring me much joy.

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

While this is my introduction to Robin I think he does the book justice with a wide array of spot-on characters and an amusing Italian accent. His Pinocchio can be hard on the ears, but that is rather due to how the character is written than the performance itself.

Was The Adventures of Pinocchio worth the listening time?

Due to my interest in the themes and metaphors it was well worth a listen. It has made me appreciate the adaptation by Disney that much more, where they elevated the world of Pinocchio to something more tangible (not by visuals but by storytelling, mind you) than this book ever did for me.

Any additional comments?

While I do not disagree with many of it's front-loaded morals, they don't make it much of a fun read. Even less so when read to children, who might marvel at some of the fantastical events but will be bored by its continuous preaching.

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