When Redwall was published in 1987 it catapulted author Brian Jacques to international stardom. And small wonder! This enthralling tale is jam-packed with the things we long for in a great adventure: danger, laughter, hairbreadth escapes, tragedy, mystery, a touch of wonder, a truly despicable villain, and a hero we can take to heart.
That hero is Matthias, a young mouse who must rise above his fears and failures to save his friends at Redwall Abbey. The villain is Cluny the Scourge, one of the most deliciously despicable rats of all time. The unforgettable cast of supporting characters includes the stalwart badger Constance, an irrepressible hare named Basil Stag Hare, and the elderly wisemouse Brother Methuselah.
But most of all there is Matthias, seeking his true destiny in a journey that will lead through danger and despair to true wisdom.
With the exuberance of Matthias and the mice of Redwall Abbey, this audio dramatization projects great enthusiasm, charm and dedication. The ensemble, which includes author Brian Jacques taking the role of narrator and nearly 20 actors, creates the lively fantasy, featuring the valiant Redwall mice, their woodland friends and wicked rat enemies. Styled as a radio-play, the program captures an immediacy as each character speaks in turn. There's a strong sense of real-time recording. The accents, all quite British--full of character and having great charm--may take some getting used to for young American ears. Details and subtleties will be revealed with each replay, making the performance even richer. This full-cast presentation offers a dramatic contrast to the single-voice reading by Ron Keith (Recorded Books). There will be some who prefer to experience the Redwall story with Keith's more subtle approach, but the energy of this cast is infectious. While it won't be everyone's cup of acorn tea, try listening to this saga of Redwall through speakers rather than headphones, and entertain a crowd. R.F.W. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine
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The tales in Jacques's immensely popular Redwall series, tales are set in an abbey populated by talking animals who behave like medieval warriors, scoundrels, peasants, etc. This presentation features the author himself as the main narrator; but a large cast plays all of the characters save one. Jacques's voice has shades of his native Liverpool in it--it's gruff, yet expressive, and even friendly. The cast is generally well chosen, and they're having such a good time that their fun delights the listener. D.W. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine
Digital Rights Information
OverDrive WMA Audiobook
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Permitted (3 times)
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Permitted
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All copies of this title, including those transferred to portable devices and other media, must be deleted/destroyed at the end of the lending period.
