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Does reading an abridged version of a book still count as reading the book?

We've all encountered those hefty classics with pages that seem to multiply when we're not looking. The question is, can we claim to have conquered the literary Everest if we've taken the shortcut of an abridged edition?

Now, there's a certain charm to reading a book in its unadulterated form. The purists among us argue that every word, every sentence, is a carefully crafted piece of the author's vision. Abridging, they say, is like viewing a masterpiece through a foggy window—it obscures the details and dilutes the essence. The richness of language, the subtle nuances, and the intricate plot developments may be casualties of the abridgment process.
For those who relish the complete literary experience, the thought of missing out on any part of the original work is sacrilege.

On the flip side, let's consider the pragmatists who advocate for the benefits of abridged versions. Not everyone has the luxury of time (or patience) to read War and Peace or Anna Karenina. Life's demands sometimes make it challenging to dedicate weeks to a single tome.

Abridged editions provide a bridge for those who want a taste of the story but may not be ready for the full banquet. It opens the door for readers who might otherwise shy away from dense classics, making literature more accessible to a broader audience.

So, is reading an abridged version a shortcut or a sensible compromise for the time-strapped bibliophile?

Don't even get me started on whether of not listening to an audio-book counts as "reading."

What do you think?