SILAS MARNER

In Eliot’s classic, a bitter man finds happiness in the adoption of an orphaned child. Narrator Anna Bentinck’s pleasant cadence immediately draws listeners into the story. Because Eliot includes a diverse cast of characters, from illiterate farmers to country squires, Bentinck is frequently called upon to deliver unique accents and personalities. She does so splendidly. At one moment, she portrays the cautious yet thoughtful weaver, Silas Marner, and at another, the bold and provoking young squire, Dunstan Cass. Bentinck seamlessly executes conversations between characters so that the dialogue flows naturally. The novel delves into the secrets and passions of human nature, and Bentinck’s energetic, sincere reading animates Eliot’s touching story. D.M.W. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2014]