The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

This new version of this classic illustrates one approach to audio literature. John Sessions acts, rather than reads, Naxos's abridged version, giving each character a full portrayal. Sessions stresses melodrama; he fakes his way through some of the more complex locutions, thus obscuring their meaning. Nonetheless, the tape delivers a satisfying rendition of a tale everyone has heard of but few have actually read. Y.R. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

This sinister classic starts off gently, with Rebecca K. Reynolds giving an elegant voice to the lawyer from whose perspective it is told. But his inner turmoil emerges even before listeners hear of his first encounter with the evil Mr. Hyde. With a report of a witnessed murder, Reynolds's tempo picks up. Throughout, she narrates with a tone of gravitas that fits the lawyer well. What's happening isn't told fully until the end, but older listeners will likely already know the fate of the mild-mannered Dr. Jekyll. The story, tailored for family listening, shines a light on human nature by examining our good and evil sides. J.A.S. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine