THE SECRET GARDEN

This timeless classic has been produced a number of times; the book offers a wonderful opportunity for a narrator, and Wanda McCaddon eagerly takes up its various challenges. McCaddon deftly handles the story's variety of accents, distinguishing between class and regional accents, including the broad Yorkshire spoken by Dicken. Though at times McCaddon doesn't distinguish as clearly between some characters' voices--her Colin and Mary sound quite alike in places--this has little ill effect. Because McCaddon is so engaged by the story and because Hodgson Burnett's characters are so distinct, they leave little room for confusion. The overall effort is very satisfying. This unabridged version is a great choice for family listening. J.C.G. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/ SEP 06]