A JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH

Frederick Davidson has one of the oddest, but also one of the most effective, voices in audiobook narration. He has a British accent with bits of German mixed in, and he uses a somewhat affected tone while reading. The results are utterly absorbing. He does a perfect German accent for Professor Lidenbrock and a wonderful Icelandic for the taciturn guide, Hans. His natural voice propels the story forward and captures Verne’s prose with wit and style. Davidson doesn’t let himself get carried away with this seminal science fiction work but moves along at a brisk pace, heightening the suspense at the appropriate times. Go with him on this extraordinary journey. R.I.G. © AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/ SEP 01]