THE END OF DRUM-TIME

Many listeners will be transported and maybe even transfixed by this audiobook. Philippe Spall portrays the inhabitants of a village in 1850s Scandinavia with subtle strength. He navigates parallel plots with energy and clarity, his tone of urgency moving the story along. Another feature of the audiobook is the research that went into creating the setting. Hearing about northern Scandinavia and the lives of those who lived there in this time period is fascinating. Add to that a love story and a journey, and you have a unique listening experience, indeed. Spall is a strong narrator whose skill contributes significantly to the effect of the novel. While the pace may occasionally be slow, his performance has an appealing immersive quality. L.B.F. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2023]