THE SERPENT CAME TO GLOUCESTER

An 1817 sighting of a sea creature in Gloucester Harbor provides the inspiration for this lyrical rhyming tale. John McDonough's pacing is excellent as the story's narrator recounts his experience one youthful summer upon glimpsing a frolicking sea serpent. To his dismay, the townspeople attempt to hunt down and harpoon the visitor. The novelty and fear of such a strange sight warrants more enthusiasm and energy than McDonough gives this narration. The beast eludes the pursuing hordes until it is finally captured and discovered to be a mackerel. In all, McDonough's account of this short tale is pleasant but not particularly engaging. M.H.N. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 06/ JAN 07]