THE NATHANIEL HAWTHORNE AUDIO COLLECTION

From the accompanying paperback to the folio of CDs to the wonderful writing beautifully read, this is lovely production. The collection focuses on what Paul Auster, in his thoughtful introduction, describes as “one of the least-known works by a well-known writer in all of literature.” It’s a delightful, often funny diary kept by Nathaniel Hawthorne about three weeks in 1851 that he spent alone with his 5-year-old son. The diary, entitled “Twenty Days with Julian & Little Bunny, by Papa,” is followed by readings of three of Hawthorne’s best-known stories, which were conceived around the same time as he kept the diary. Auster, the critically acclaimed author, is also a wonderful reader. No dialects and voices--instead, he reads his own introduction and “Twenty Days” with his trademark seductive voice and precise control. James Naughton does as well with the Hawthorne short stories. His careful pace and full baritone offer comfort during the stories’ menacing passages. This is a class act. A.C.S. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 03/JAN 04]