THE ISLAND OF DOCTOR MOREAU

Narrator Jonathan Keeble's deep, strong voice sets an ominous tone for this short, dark novel about perverted ambition and the bestiality of men. It's set on a small island, where the tortured creations of misguided science lurk. Some of Keeble's vocal characterizations make for uncomfortable listening--a pronounced lisp, for instance--but they are true to Wells's descriptions. At times, Keeble's delivery is close to overwrought, nearly a shout, but it's always true to the melodrama and violence of this science-fiction fable. Most impressively, Keeble's voice sustains and builds the mood of threat and dread. More than a reading, this is a fine version of a powerful classic. W.M. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2021]