TOM JONES

Second only to the language of Shakespeare, the English language of the eighteenth century possesses delightful sonorities, lusty vigor and incredible expressive power--qualities to which Fielding adds rich characterization, intriguing plot twists, delicious bawdiness and satiric humor. In an unaffected Midlands accent, John Sessions gives us a rich, virile, fully voiced interpretation that the author himself would chuckle through. So expressive is he that all the antiquated turns of phrase sound as contemporary as this morning. Moreover, he has fun with the text, giving his imagination full sway, especially in his delivery of dialogue, without ever letting it clash or overwhelm the material. Even this reviewer, who has read the book, seen the film, watched the recent TV serialization, and auditioned two other audiobook versions, found this abridgment fresh and delightful. Y.R. Winner of AUDIOFILE Earphones Award ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/NOV 98]