THE TALE OF RICKETY HALL

In quest of sixpence to buy a collar for his dog, Scraps, the orphan Jonas Jones finds himself encountering a succession of exceedingly old men until the "oldest old man" grants his wish. Andrew Sachs brings new meaning to the notion of an old man's voice. Each of the elderly inhabitants of Rickety Hall sounds more ancient than the former. Sachs trembles, whispers, or quavers as each gentleman reminisces about boys and dogs of the past. Masterfully, Sachs charges each voice with vitality; his pacing, intensity, and ability to change perspective are superlative. A.R. (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/JUL 03]