Abridged audiobooks - I just don't get the point

I'm an avid listener to audiobooks. They're perfect for the trip to and from work (via public transport).

But there's one thing I just don't understand. Abridged versions.

You see - I like to re-read (or listen) to books I know and like. As someone who reads often I tend to have good recall of the actual text. Good enough that when the audiobook jumps I'll react.

Got caught again yesterday - only one copy available of the book and I'll admit I didn't check. Off to work - listening - and suddenly - boom - bits missing.

I'd understand if it was a size or length thing - but this is 7,5 hours abridged. It would be about 8 to 8,5 non-abridged. If you have 7,5 hours then getting one more isn't going to be an issue. Nor is size - 215Mb.

I guess I simply don't get why you'd want to save 30 or so minutes by hacking at the author's prose.

I guess I should also be more careful checking in future ;)

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