THE TIMELESS LAND

Eleanor Dark's 1941 novelistic tribute to her native Australia comes to life as James Condon depicts the arrival of the British in 1788, the reactions of the Aboriginal people, and the clash of cultures that followed. Rather than just read, Condon declaims the text, making each word important, gliding over musical Aboriginal names, and showcasing the poetic nature of the text. Aurally, he shows the difference between the mostly imperious Brits and the rough convicts who accompanied them. You hear the awe and wonder with which the natives encountered sailing ships, firearms, and alcohol. An informative introduction is included, also read by Condon, who was in his mid-80s at the time of this tour-de-force performance. J.B.G. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2009]