THE ILIAD

This excellent abridgment achieves the rare distinction of rendering the whole work more accessible. The sharpened narrative arc increases the emotional intensity of this most ancient and exciting of war stories, yet all the most moving speeches remain. Atmospheric details abound. Narrator Anton Lesser inhabits the characters—men and gods—speaking their words with fluidity. Only the first few books seem rushed. Characters are mentioned in quick succession; one almost envisions the Achaeans and Trojans trotting from their locker rooms onto the field as their names and positions are announced. Once introduced, however, the warriors battle to their honorable ends, and the listener is gripped by the story's unrelenting pace. Orchestral selections herald each segment, highlighting the gravity and profundity of the poem's themes. J.L.B. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2008]