THE MARTIAN CHRONICLES

The Martian Chronicles was probably never intended to represent the real planet. Bradbury’s Mars is a shifting metaphor for “the frontier” or for mystery. This lush prose poem was obviously composed in terms of sound; even the production uses purely aural devices, such as echoing repetition. Peter Marinker demonstrates a clear understanding of the writer’s intention, and he has the vocal technique to project it effectively. He makes it easy for the listener to become engulfed in the dreamy, luminous atmosphere that is as much Bradbury’s message as the story line. J.N. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN 97]