GULLIVER'S TRAVELS Retold for younger listeners

Benjamin Soames presents McMillan's smooth adaptation of Swift's classic adventure. Listeners will hear the tone of Swift's dry style in McMillan's writing. Well-chosen vocabulary suitable to Swift's era adds to its authenticity. Clear sentence structure, abbreviated episodes, and a condensed version of Swift's often lengthy social commentary help the abridgment's accessibility to contemporary listeners. Soames uses a ruminative tone as he recounts Gulliver's experiences with imaginary cultures like Lilliput. While the story contains sophisticated elements, the fantastical creatures will keep young children interested. Soames maintains his tempo so that listeners can easily follow Gulliver's peregrinations. His gentle, analytical voice evokes the spirit of Swift's original work. Overall, his thoughtful narration is a good match for such a cerebral adventure. C.A. © AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine [Published: FEBRUARY 2013]