TALES OF THE UNEXPECTED

Saki's short stories exemplify the quick, sharp wit of classic drawing-room repartee, with a touch of the ghastly thrown in for good measure. The tales fascinate even as they excite uneasy laughter. Derek Jacobi's fluid reading suits Saki's style well. Jacobi is well known for his many film and television roles, including that of Emperor Claudius in I, Claudius and, more recently, that of Brother Cadfael in Ellis Peters's medieval murder mysteries. While maintaining a brisk pace, the veteran performer adroitly captures class, gender and ethnic distinctions, moving seamlessly among them all. Jacobi's flawless, unrelenting renditions of Saki's frenetic tales leave the listener blissfully spent. S.J.L. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB 96]