The Swiss Family Robinson (Version 2)
Johann David Wyss
Read by Kara Shallenberg (1969-2023)
First published in 1812, The Swiss Family Robinson may sometimes seem old-fashioned to modern readers, especially the family’s attitude toward wildlife (if it moves, shoot it). However, it’s a truly exciting adventure and a timeless story of warm and loving family life.
As the narrator says: “It was written... for the instruction and amusement of my children... Children are, on the whole, very much alike everywhere, and you four lads fairly represent multitudes... It will make me happy to think that my simple narrative may lead some of these to observe how blessed are the results of patient continuance in well-doing, what benefits arise from the thoughtful application of knowledge and science, and how good and pleasant a thing it is when brethren dwell together in unity, under the eye of parental love.”
Written by Swiss pastor Johann David Wyss and edited by his son Johann Rudolf Wyss (this edition lists J.R. as the author), the novel was intended to teach his four sons about family values, good husbandry, the uses of the natural world, and self-reliance. It’s fun to think of the long-ago author reading his own books of natural history and creating this novel to share his interests with his boys. (summary by Kara) (12 hr 47 min)
Chapters
| Ch.1 | 37:31 | Read by Kara Shallenberg (1969-2023) |
| Ch.2 Pt.1 | 25:22 | Read by Kara Shallenberg (1969-2023) |
| Ch.2 Pt.2 | 29:23 | Read by Kara Shallenberg (1969-2023) |
| Ch.3 Pt.1 | 33:12 | Read by Kara Shallenberg (1969-2023) |
| Ch.3 Pt.2 | 27:45 | Read by Kara Shallenberg (1969-2023) |
| Ch.4 Pt.1 | 22:18 | Read by Kara Shallenberg (1969-2023) |
| Ch.4 Pt.2 | 16:14 | Read by Kara Shallenberg (1969-2023) |
| Ch.5 | 32:29 | Read by Kara Shallenberg (1969-2023) |
| Ch.6 Pt.1 | 19:06 | Read by Kara Shallenberg (1969-2023) |
| Ch.6 Pt.2 | 20:43 | Read by Kara Shallenberg (1969-2023) |
| Ch.7 Pt.1 | 23:43 | Read by Kara Shallenberg (1969-2023) |
| Ch.7 Pt.2 | 26:06 | Read by Kara Shallenberg (1969-2023) |
| Ch.8 | 37:41 | Read by Kara Shallenberg (1969-2023) |
| Ch.9 Pt.1 | 30:36 | Read by Kara Shallenberg (1969-2023) |
| Ch.9 Pt.2 | 34:03 | Read by Kara Shallenberg (1969-2023) |
| Ch.10 Pt.1 | 23:57 | Read by Kara Shallenberg (1969-2023) |
| Ch.10 Pt.2 | 23:14 | Read by Kara Shallenberg (1969-2023) |
| Ch.11 Pt.1 | 17:32 | Read by Kara Shallenberg (1969-2023) |
| Ch.11 Pt.2 | 21:49 | Read by Kara Shallenberg (1969-2023) |
| Ch.12 Pt.1 | 25:44 | Read by Kara Shallenberg (1969-2023) |
| Ch.12 Pt.2 | 26:26 | Read by Kara Shallenberg (1969-2023) |
| Ch.13 | 31:48 | Read by Kara Shallenberg (1969-2023) |
| Ch.14 | 25:28 | Read by Kara Shallenberg (1969-2023) |
| Ch.15 Pt.1 | 20:12 | Read by Kara Shallenberg (1969-2023) |
| Ch.15 Pt.2 | 22:03 | Read by Kara Shallenberg (1969-2023) |
| Ch.16 Pt.1 | 21:53 | Read by Kara Shallenberg (1969-2023) |
| Ch.16 Pt.2 | 20:56 | Read by Kara Shallenberg (1969-2023) |
| Ch.17 Pt.1 | 13:09 | Read by Kara Shallenberg (1969-2023) |
| Ch.17 Pt.2 | 29:04 | Read by Kara Shallenberg (1969-2023) |
| Ch.18 | 27:57 | Read by Kara Shallenberg (1969-2023) |
Reviews
I loved it.
jenny
A most enjoyable story which shares fascinating events and the Godly approach to all of life. Beautifully read (as usual) by Kara. Many thanks for your generousity Kayray.
Excellent
Lillybear
this book is beautifully read by one reader, very clear & with great expression. The book itself is charming.
Swiss Family Robinson
Rred2
I have always loved this story and the narration is enthusiastic with real feeling, thank you
A LibriVox Listener
The narrator for this book is wonderful. She really expresses it. I like the book because it is an amazing, exciting adventure that this family makes. They find ways to make things that they need to help them to survive. I highly recommend this book
Swiss Family Robison
davidvcpa
Great reader. Enjoyable book.
Quite a nature lesson
ListeninginChicago
The whole concept of "if it moves, shoot it" was jarring, and some of the family's accomplishments were a bit beyond belief, but on the whole, if you lay aside your skepticism and take this for a fun adventure story with a good dose of biology, naturalism and animal husbandry thrown in, this is an enjoyable book and another excellent reading by Kay Ray. I particularly enjoyed seeing the characters of the boys develop through their experiences.
What A Great Adventure
Lindsey N.
Well read and well paced. What a splendid Old World adventure!
Josine
Very enjoyable to listen to this book which I have read several times before.