WUTHERING HEIGHTS

Search no further. A masterful vocal talent has found a masterpiece of world literature to perform. Michael Kitchen brilliantly portrays Nelly Dean, the novel's main storyteller, as she, in her clipped Yorkshire dialect, loquaciously divulges to a fascinated Mr. Lockwood the turbulent saga of three generations of Earnshaws and Lintons during their systematic torment by the revenge-sodden and love-ruined Heathcliff. Kitchen's intoxicatingly rich voice is the perfect medium for Bronte's romantic lyricism. Since most of the novel is conversational in nature, much depends on how things are said. Cathy's self-centered impulsiveness, Edgar's resigned acceptance of bitter truths, Heathcliff's damnable obsessions, Hareton's brave attempts to rise above his fate, all and more are revealed by Kitchen's fine characterizations. His interpretation is so precise and intelligent that it's hard not to feel pity for the possessed Heathcliff. Michael Kitchen has given a long-awaited voice to a timeless classic. P.W. Winner of AUDIOFILE Earphones Award ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: NOV/DEC 96]