THE SECRET GARDEN

Claire Bloom reads this classic with a crisp, slightly British enunciation and dramatic passion. She doesn't strain accent or pitch to distinguish among the characters, but slides into them primarily through changes of pace. However, the age of the recording shows despite its having been named an ALA Notable Children's Recording. There's an audible hiss between words, and the actress's voice is slightly tinny from overmodulation. Also, the abridgment makes the story's transitions too abrupt. A newer, unabridged version would be a better choice than this reissue. D.W. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: JAN 96]