PORTRAIT OF A LADY

Superb acting by Elizabeth McGovern highlights this abridgment of Henry James's classic. McGovern's voice is lush and intimate as she recounts the tragic story of Isabel Archer, a young woman of bright future and promise who bucks the tide of social customs and pays dearly for her unconventional ways. McGovern's deep, husky voice lends itself well to male voices, and her range as an actress is evident as she slips seamlessly from narration to dialogue. She is especially chilling recounting the deceitful scheming of those out to punish Isabel's independence. An excellent performance of a classic. S.J.H. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2014]