NICHOLAS NICKLEBY

Anton Lesser is a one-man theater troupe composed of excellent actors. Dickens was a novelist par excellence. And Perry Keenlyside is a sensitive abridger. Between them, they’ve created a terrific listening experience. This abridgment of one of Dickens’s longer and best-loved works is long enough to feel commodious and short enough to keep one listening. It’s also seamless. All the plot points and major characters, from noble Nicholas Nickleby to odious Mr. Squeers, are here. Speaking of characters, Anton Lesser voices them so well that it can be unnerving. Surely, one thinks, that decorous female is read by a different actor than the drawling male aristocrat, but it’s all Lesser. And he links the dialogue with interesting, well-paced narration. In between sections, a fine selection of classical quartets. Do listen. A.C.S. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/NOV 05]