FAGIN & MISS HAVISHAM

A terrific performance by Christopher Lane transports listeners to Dickens's London 20 years before the events made famous in his novels. We learn why Miss Havisham became the embittered woman in GREAT EXPECTATIONS, as well as the origin stories of many other notable characters in Dickens's works. After being jilted at the altar and robbed of her fortune by Compeyson, a con artist and crook, Margaret Havisham contacts the notorious pickpocket Fagin to help in a satisfying act of revenge. Lane does everything right. His accents are flawless, his timing is precise, and his characters are vividly drawn. Jaggers and Magwitch from GREAT EXPECTATIONS, Bill Sikes and Nancy from OLIVER TWIST, and many others make appearances in this wonderfully narrated, wonderfully conceived story. Superb listening. S.J.H. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2024]