PRIVATE PEACEFUL

The convergence of an eloquent manuscript and a noteworthy reading is only one of the highlights of PRIVATE PEACEFUL. Evocative language increases the realism of the flashbacks that tell the story of brothers Charlie and Thomas Peaceful. Combining scenes of WWI, life on an English estate, school, loving Molly, and a brother’s bond, the characterizations are exceptional. Jeff Woodman’s narration is fully voiced and beautifully modulated. Particularly noteworthy are the vocal nuances he gives Thomas as the character progresses from boy to war-weary man. Woodman builds the tension as the listener is enveloped by Thomas’s plight (made more perfect if one does not have advance notice of it). Be forewarned, listener, the lines “‘Oranges and lemons,’ say the bells of St. Clemens . . . ” will have meaning for a very long time. L.D.H. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/SEP 05]