Alan Garner read by Philip Madoc |
Naxos Audiobooks |
9626343966 |
Mar 2006 |
|
Infused with extraordinary electro-magnetic charges, the words of Alan Garner’s first novel ‘The Weirdstone of Brisingamen’ sparked an iridescent energy into the world of children’s fiction. The sense of adventure, excitement and danger that surrounds protagonists Colin and Susan and the potency both of the language and narrative that power the story remain as invigorating today as presumably they were in 1960 when the novel was first published. As with Alan Garner’s preceding writing, ‘The Weirdstone of Brisingamen’ is suffused in what was to become Garner’s trademark interest in legend and mythic traditions. |
Category Archives: Audiobook
Mixed Magics
Mixed Magics (audio CD) by Diana Wynne Jones, read by Anthony Head |
Collins |
0007213425 |
March 2006 |
|
Originally published in 2000, this collection of magical short stories is being published as a CD audiobook for the first time. Not having previously read any of the other Chrestomanci books, I admit to being tempted into starting with this one purely on the basis of it being read by Anthony Head. I was not disappointed – his mellifluous tones are easily absorbed and his subtle delivery perfectly complements Wynne-Jones’s lively prose. I discovered that the stories work fine as a stand-alone collection and you need not have read the others in the series in order to appreciate them. Each of the four tales is linked by the mercurial and often unpredictable presence of Chrestomanci, an enigmatic enchanter who presides over many worlds, intervening when needed to maintain harmony and balance. |