THE ENGLISH PATIENT

Michael Ondaatje's novel, winner of the England's 1993 Booker Prize, is a perfect candidate for audio. A burn patient is cared for in a ruined Italian villa after the retreat of the Germans by a young nurse, a former spy and thief and a Sikh who clears the area of mines. Their various lives, past and current, entwine in a mystical novel full of vivid images which are marvelously conveyed through oral interpretation. Michael York presents an elegant narration--beautifully suited to the text. He carefully projects the subtle accents of each character with a smooth and polished delivery. His tone matches the author's and compliments each character. Making full use of the evocative language, York portrays the scenes and relationships with distinction. The abridgment is skillfull though there is a haunting sense that one hasn't experienced the entirety of the text. For serious fiction lovers, this is an audiobook not to be missed. R.F.W. Winner of AUDIOFILE Earphones Award ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB 94]