THE GIRL WHO MARRIED A LION

Alexander McCall Smith, author of the hugely successful No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series, brought more than Mma Ramotswe back from Botswana. He returned to his native Scotland with an affection for African folktales, which he retells in this volume. McCall Smith is ably served by the five narrators who give this book voice. All accurately reproduce the singsong British-flavored accents common to English-speaking Africans, and all seem comfortable with the stuff of folktales, such as magic and talking animals. Although the narrators' names are mentioned at the beginning of the book, the stories, disappointingly, are read anonymously. Unless you already know a narrator's voice well, you won't be able to attach a particular voice to a name. Otherwise, this is a fine production and a good listen for anyone interested in folktales. It's also perfect family listening. R.E.K. 2006 Audie Award Finalist © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 05]