MARK TWAIN'S THE ADVENTURES OF TOM SAWYER

Mark Twain's classic, drawn from his recollections of childhood, is given a fresh performance by Michael Beattie. Beattie highlights the wit and wisdom that lie behind the adventures of the mischief-maker Tom Sawyer. Beattie particularly excels in two of the most well-known parts of the story: when Tom tricks his friends into whitewashing a fence and when he runs away from home and is believed dead. Beattie makes Tom and Huck Finn into opposites, with Tom talking fast and Huck speaking with a drawl. Foul language and a few scares make the production inappropriate for small children. For older kids and adults, Beattie's take on Twain's childhood world is an excellent introduction to the great American author. J.A.S. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2008]