THE CUNNING MAN

Sinister introductory music sets the tone for a story that combines sea legends, ghosts, and prescient nightmares. The story of Finn and her summer by the sea is rendered an edge-of-your-seat tale by the vocal dexterity of narrator Shirley Barthelmie. Barthelmie's characterizations move deftly from English to Welsh accents, reflecting the interplay of the two main characters, Finn and Mike, as well as the seaside locals. Her depiction of Finn's fear upon waking from terrifying dreams adds beautifully to the eerie atmosphere of this story. At times spine-tingling, this tale gives way to an endearing example of first love and adolescent growth in Barthelmie's capable narration. M.R.P. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/ JUL 07]