The Swiss Family Robinson, by Johann Wyss

Mixed feelings
From Anonymous of Los Angeles, California on 9/19/2015.

This must be one of BJH's earlier recordings because there are some (very few!) glitches in it such as repetitions and misreadings followed by corrections that were not edited out. However, the reading itself is - as usual - very good. The voice, the pacing, the cadence are all wonderful and easy to get lost in.

Now onto the book itself. It is a true product of its time. It is extremely paternalistic, racist, and boring. The premise had a lot of potential, but it is completely unfulfilled. There is no adventure, no difficulties to overcome, no character development. Everyone speaks like they are reading articles from an encyclopedia, or "The Parables of Pere Bonaventure Giraudeau, S.J.," or "The Parent's Assistant," including a 6-year-old child.

It is a didactic novel, where Father Knows Best. And boy, does he know and can do absolutely everything and absolutely best on the very first try, even if he has never done or even seen it done before! Everyone else is always grateful to be corrected and put on the right path by him. He also occasionally intentionally puts his children up for failure in order to teach them a lesson in morality, religion, or even basic life skills.

There is a lot of unnecessary animal killing in the book, a lot of implications about European superiority (and in particular, male superiority), and a lot of racist references to "savages," who never materialize, btw. The description of the flora and fauna on the island is also geographically, ecologically, and biologically impossible.

Of course, none of this is unusual for the period when the book was written, so a reader who is apt to get offended because these behaviors and language are, indeed, offensive by today's standards should probably avoid the book.

Despite my negative perception of the content and writing style, I intend to listen to the book to the very end, with some breaks for other listening just to keep from getting annoyed by the overload of paternalism, racism, scientific ignorance, and animal cruelty. I find it enlightening to learn more about the Calvinistic mores and attitudes of the early 19th century. In that sense, the book is serving a didactic purpose, albeit not in the way it was intended.

The Swiss Family Robinson
From Anonymous of Eugene, Oregon on 7/7/2012.

This is a great period piece including heavily moralistic parenting techniques. It has fit well into my chore times.

I do not recommend it as a road trip as it has dull parts and is rathering soothing which could lead to lack of alertness behind the wheel.

Great for all ages
From Anonymous of Monroe, North Carolina on 6/18/2012.

my kids age 9 and 6 and I enjoyed this and keep listening to it from time to time when driving.
I like all audio books read by BJ Harrison, always keep my attention and interest.

A must listen:)
From Ammon of Columbus, Unknown on 6/6/2012.

I enjoyed the first half of this book immensely. It is a wonderful book. Everyone should read. It is one man's exploration of how he would serve his family in dire circumstances.

The second half began to feel a bit repetitive. But BJ's reading kept me very much engaged.