GIMPEL THE FOOL AND OTHER STORIES

These four stories show Jewish shtetl life at the turn of the century. "Gimpel the Fool" knows more than he lets on; "Esther Kreindel the Second" is the sad story of a girl whose soul and body are possessed by the first Esther; "The Spinoza of Market Street" is about a sickly scholar who is seduced by the spinster of the community; and "The Black Wedding" is about demons and evil spirits most horrible to contemplate. Each story is read in the clear, melodious voice of Theodore Bikel, who accentuates the Yiddish words and worlds forgotten in today's society. His European accent reflects shtetl life and its people, drawing the listener into careful contemplation of the underlying themes. M.B.K. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: NOV/DEC 96]