Free Audiobook : Animal Farm, by George Orwell
30 March 2025
Free Audiobook : 1984, by George Orwell
30 March 2025
1984
By: George Orwell
Narrated by: Theo Solomon
Length: 12 hrs and 18 mins
Possibility of free reading : YES
1984 Narrated by Theo Solomon
The rendition of 1984 narrated by Theo Solomon, released on July 2, 2024, clocks in at 12 hours and 18 minutes. Solomon’s narration brings a fresh and dynamic energy to Orwell’s dark tale, with a clear and engaging delivery that emphasizes the tension and emotional weight of Winston Smith’s journey. This version is ideal for listeners who appreciate a straightforward, modern narration that lets the story’s powerful themes shine through without additional embellishments. At over 12 hours, it provides a comprehensive experience of the unabridged text, perfect for those new to the story or revisiting it with a contemporary voice.
George Orwell’s 1984
By: George Orwell, Joe White - adaptation
Narrated by: Andrew Garfield, Cynthia Erivo, Andrew Scott, Tom Hardy, Chukwudi Iwuji, Romesh Ranganathan, Natasia Demetriou, Francesca Mills, Alex Lawther, Katie Leung
Length: 3 hrs and 27 mins
Possibility of free reading : YES
George Orwell’s 1984 by Audible
For a completely different take, George Orwell’s 1984: An Audible Original Adaptation, released on April 4, 2024, offers a star-studded, dramatized experience in just 3 hours and 27 minutes. Adapted by Joe White and narrated by an ensemble cast including Andrew Garfield, Cynthia Erivo, Andrew Scott, Tom Hardy, and others, this version transforms the novel into a cinematic audio play. With multiple voices bringing the characters to life, sound effects, and a condensed runtime, it’s a gripping, fast-paced option for listeners who enjoy immersive storytelling over a traditional reading. This adaptation prioritizes drama and intensity, making it a standout for those seeking a fresh twist on the classic.
1984
By: George Orwell
Narrated by: Andrew Wincott
Length: 12 hrs and 19 mins
Possibility of free reading : YES
1984 Narrated by Andrew Wincott
The audiobook narrated by Andrew Wincott, released on November 5, 2015, runs for 12 hours and 19 minutes and delivers a classic, unadorned take on 1984. Wincott’s narration is characterized by its clarity and understated intensity, allowing Orwell’s prose to take center stage. His measured pacing and subtle shifts in tone suit the novel’s oppressive atmosphere, making this a great pick for purists who prefer a traditional, unabridged reading without extra flourishes. With nearly a decade since its release, it remains a reliable and timeless option for audiobook fans.
Orwell Collection
Animal Farm & 1984
By: George Orwell
Narrated by: Stephen Fry
Length: 16 hrs and 18 mins
Possibility of free reading : YES
Orwell Collection: Animal Farm & 1984 Narrated by Stephen Fry
Released on January 12, 2021, the Orwell Collection narrated by Stephen Fry combines 1984 with Orwell’s other masterpiece, Animal Farm, in a 16-hour-and-18-minute package. Fry’s warm, authoritative voice adds a layer of gravitas to both works, making this a compelling choice for fans of Orwell’s broader oeuvre. His narration of 1984 is measured and reflective, enhancing the philosophical undertones of the story. This version is perfect for listeners who want a two-for-one deal, offering an extended listening experience with one of Britain’s most beloved narrators tying the dystopian tales together seamlessly.
1984
By: George Orwell
Narrated by: Benjamin May
Length: 10 hrs and 30 mins
Possibility of free reading : YES
1984 Narrated by Benjamin May
Finally, the version narrated by Benjamin May, released on May 31, 2021, offers a slightly shorter rendition at 10 hours and 30 minutes. May’s narration is crisp and engaging, with a youthful energy that contrasts with the story’s bleakness, adding an intriguing layer to Winston’s rebellion. This edition trims some of the novel’s length—likely through minor abridgments—making it a more concise option for listeners who want the essence of 1984 without committing to the full runtime. It’s a solid choice for those seeking efficiency without sacrificing the core narrative.
What’s the Difference Between These Versions?
The differences between these audiobook editions of 1984 boil down to narration style, length, and production approach. Theo Solomon and Andrew Wincott offer full, unabridged readings with distinct vocal interpretations—Solomon’s modern flair versus Wincott’s classic restraint—both around 12 hours. Benjamin May’s shorter 10-hour-and-30-minute version suggests slight abridgments, appealing to those wanting a quicker listen. The Audible Original adaptation, at just over 3 hours, is a dramatized reimagining with a multi-voice cast and sound effects, prioritizing theatricality over completeness. Meanwhile, Stephen Fry’s Orwell Collection bundles 1984 with Animal Farm for a 16-hour-plus experience, ideal for fans of both works. Whether you prefer a traditional narration, a condensed drama, or a dual-story collection, there’s a version of 1984 tailored to your listening style.
