GOOD GRISELLE

This magical fable about a woman's incorruptible goodness is strongly reminiscent of the fairy tales of Oscar Wilde. Like Wilde's stories, it can be enjoyed by a child, but only fully appreciated by an adult. Yolen's language isn't as extravagant as Wilde's, but it is mannered, slightly archaic and poetic, in a way that demands a performance with a certain deliberation and stateliness. John McDonough, however, takes it over the edge into ponderousness. He sounds as if the words were too heavy to lift and takes more time than necessary to get them all on tape. This small gem deserves a better setting. J.N. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB 98]