GRIMM TALES FOR YOUNG AND OLD

Too often we hear fairy tales told through the filter of satire or Saturday-morning cartoons, so it’s a distinct pleasure to hear a writer of Philip Pullman’s talent, humor, and intelligence ever so slightly and cleverly reimagine 50 of the original 200 Brothers Grimm’s tales, first published 200 years ago. English actor Samuel West provides a superbly wry and cultured narrative tone plus wonderful voices for the “types” that inhabit these stories—from the shrew-voiced stepsisters of “Cinderella” to the dull-witted son of “The Boy Who Left Home to Find Out About the Shivers” and the nastiness of all those evil kings and queens from “Snow White” to “Rumpelstiltskin.” These tales are part of our cultural heritage, and this production is guaranteed to keep listeners enchanted for years to come. B.P. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2012]