BEAST

Napoli’s genius in recrafting folk and fairy tales into young adult novels shines in this retelling of “Beauty and the Beast.” This lush novel begins at a leisurely pace in Persia before Prince Orasmyn, trapped by an ancient curse in the body of a lion, desperately makes his way to the traditional French manor house setting. Robert Ramirez delivers a clear, carefully paced reading of Orasmyn’s inner struggle, first as cursed prince, then as trapped beast. When reading Belle, he attempts to deliver another voice and intonation, quite subtly. But the strength of this narration lies in the forceful intensity of despair and desire Orasmyn repeatedly expresses, keeping the listener grounded in the moment, a necessity given the ending of the story. T.B. © AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 01]