The Centaur by John Updike

The Centaur

Chiron’s Sacrifice Told in Modern, Poignant Terms

Written byJohn Updike
Narrated byJohn MacDonald
Length8h36m
Release dateOctober 24, 2017
LanguageEnglish
★★★☆ 3.5 (3 ratings)

Free with Audible trial. Cancel anytime.

Listen to a Sample

Hear John MacDonald's narration on Audible.

Play Sample on Audible

Quick Facts

AuthorJohn Updike
NarratorJohn MacDonald
Runtime8h36m
PublishedOctober 24, 2017
Rating★★★☆ 3.5 / 5 (3 ratings)
CategoriesLiterature & Fiction, Genre Fiction, Family Life, Literary Fiction, Mash-Ups, Psychological, Sagas
FormatAudiobook (Digital)
PlatformAudible

About This Audiobook

Dive into John Updike's reimagining of Chiron, the legendary centaur, in a deeply emotional and intellectually engaging audiobook narrated by John MacDonald. This modern retelling, steeped in family drama and philosophical depth, explores themes of sacrifice and immortality with surprising relevance to contemporary life. MacDonald's rich, emotive narration breathes new life into Updike’s prose, making this listen both challenging and rewarding.

Tags: mythic retellingphilosophical fictionemotional dramafamily lifeclassics

Why Listen to The Centaur?

  • Expert narration by John MacDonald brings every character and scene to life across 8h36m of immersive audio.
  • Highly rated at 3.5 stars by 3 listeners.
  • Free with your Audible trial — keep the audiobook forever even if you cancel.
  • Perfect for commutes, workouts, and relaxation. Listen anywhere, anytime.
Start Listening Free
AE

Editor's Review ★★★☆

AudioBook Atlas

John MacDonald's commanding voice transforms The Centaur from a literary work into a compelling audiobook experience. His nuanced performance captures the complex emotions of Chiron’s journey—his grief, his wisdom, and ultimately, his self-sacrifice for the sake of others. The pacing is deliberate, allowing ample time to absorb Updike’s intricate plot twists and philosophical musings. However, some listeners might find the narrative heavy on introspection and dialogue, which can occasionally slow down the pace. Despite these minor drawbacks, MacDonald's ability to convey Chiron's inner turmoil makes this audiobook a must-listen for anyone fascinated by mythic retellings and emotional storytelling.

Download: The Centaur

Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

The Centaur by John Updike is an immersive listening experience. Performed by John MacDonald with a runtime of 8h36m, you can start with a free trial that you can cancel at any time. The audiobook remains yours forever, even if you end the trial.