Against all advice, cathedral dean Jocelin sponsors and directs the construction of a 404-foot spire. Narrator Benedict Cumberbatch's dramatic performance is well matched to Golding's stream-of-consciousness novel, set in medieval England and told from Jocelin's point of view. From soft whispers to shouts of anger, the deliberate variations in volume connect listeners to Jocelin's out-of-control emotions. Cumberbatch's distinctive voices and pitch-perfect pacing bring out the characters' strong reactions, especially as the dean argues with the master mason, defends himself to the church council, and struggles against his lust for a servant's wife. Particularly impressive is Cumberbatch's portrayal of Jocelin's slow disintegration into madness as the dean is overcome by angelic visions and what he believes to be divinely inspired passion.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2014
Duration: 6 hrs, 45 mins
Publisher: Canongate
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Reader Michael Prichard delivers a convincing rendition of Archie Goodwin, the burly right hand of the portly Nero Wolfe, world-renowned gourmand and detective. Prichard preserves the 1970s setting and 1950s origins of the story, bringing listeners a well-paced narration of murder and politics--a combination of elements that usually guarantees an exciting listen. This audio entertainment is as well formed and fragrant as one of Wolfe's hothouse orchids (the stout sleuth cultivates them by the hundreds in his town house greenhouse) as Goodwin walks us through an explosive murder investigation and political wheeling and dealing in a tough yet intelligent read.
Pub Date: Jan. 15, 2006
Duration: 5 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Audio Partners
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This collection of eight short stories contains gentle tales of fantasy and magic--not the magic of wizards and wands, but of wishing mats and enormous cats and gifts brought by the winds. In a lovely English accent, Lizza Aiken quietly narrates these stories in which magic and good fortune often come to those who deserve it. Although her pitch changes little, she registers a range of emotions--from the sadness of a girl whose necklace of raindrops has been stolen to the joy of a child who moves from a hard life and a ramshackle trailer to a happy home amid the clouds. A NECKLACE OF RAINDROPS would make a soothing choice for a family car trip after a long day.
Ages 6+Pub Date: Jan. 5, 2016
Duration: 1 hr, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781101915721
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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