From School Library Journal
Grade 7 Up--Students of the classics will appreciate Ron Keith's excellent rendition of Robert Louis Stevenson's adventure novel, set against the background of the War of the Roses. The time is 15th century England, and Richard Shelton, the young hero, overcomes one obstacle after another in his quest to rescue Joanna, his love. British actor Keith's talented voice gives life to Shelton, his friends, and his enemies, delivering the old fashioned English with ease and precise diction. The unusual vocabulary can usually be understood in context. Keith's slightly nasal, raspy, resonant voice changes frequently to differentiate between the characters, varying from bass to treble. He changes tones to express a full range of emotions. Songs are not a problem for Keith, as he knows the melody for each. Consider this audiobook for purchase where Stevenson is part of the curriculum.
Claudia Moore, W.T. Woodson High School, Fairfax, VACopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Product Description
An express had gone through the hamlet half an hour before, and drunk a pot of ale in the saddle, not daring to dismount for the hurry of his errand; but he had been ignorant himself of what was forward, and only bore sealed letters from Sir Daniel Brackley to Sir Oliver Oates, the parson, who kept the Moat House in the master's absence. But now there was the noise of a horse; and soon, out of the edge of the wood and over the echoing bridge, there rode up young Master Richard Shelton, Sir Daniel's ward. He, at the least, would know, and they hailed him and begged him to explain. He drew bridle willingly enough -- a young fellow not yet eighteen, sun-browned and grey-eyed, in a jacket of deer's leather, with a black velvet collar, a green hood upon his head, and a steel crossbow at his back. The express, it appeared, had brought great news. A battle was impending. Sir Daniel had sent for every man that could draw a bow or carry a bill to go post-haste to Kettley, under pain of his severe displeasure; but for whom they were to fight, or of where the battle was expected, Dick knew nothing. Sir Oliver would come shortly himself, and Bennet Hatch was arming at that moment, for he it was who should lead the party. "It is the ruin of this kind land," a woman said. "If the barons live at war, ploughfolk must eat roots."