Classics Narrated

Hapless kidnappers find the limit of parental affection.

My narration of the last chapter of Kipling's "Kim" has just been released, so a choice on the next major project I undertake is imminent. In the next day or two, I plan to add a note with thoughts on "Kim," and also Hawthorne's "The Great Stone Face," but here's what's mainly on my mind- For those who have been kind enough to listen to my podcast, please let me know if this seems worthwhile: R.D. Blackmore's "Lorna Doone." Here's why it interests me: -First, I had a horrible misconception of what the book is. I thought it was some imitation of Sir Walter Scott, merely derivative. In fact, it's flavor and setting are quite distinct. This is a story of England's West Country, during the Restoration, when the law didn't reach into the far corners of the kingdom, and robber barons were not metaphorical. -Second, nothing to do with cookies, despite Nabisco. The connection must be the prized butter of Devon mentioned in the story, and shortbread. Of course, using real butter in mass-produced cookies would probably leave them stale and rancid, so I credit Nabisco with doing a good job of capturing the taste in their butterless recipe, though the romantic in me is disappointed. -Third, the characters. There is modesty and integrity in both Lorna and Jan Ridd, which made them a pleasure to know. There is also an occasional pungent proverb, showing Jan's strong judgment. -Finally, the language. I had the pleasure of recording part of this book for Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic, Connecticut chapter, and found what seemed to me a "voice" for Jan Ridd, who tells this tale. The accent would be the West Country of England, which seemed to me to fit the "pirate accent" that we know in America from Robert Newton's classic portrayal of Long John Silver in Treasure Island. The rector of our church, an English lady from Somerset, confirmed that. Of course, I'm open to suggestions; please bear in mind that this podcast is limited to works in the public domain (unless you own the rights, in which case I'd be happy to negotiate). Unless persuaded to the contrary, I expect to start podcasting "Lorna Doone" by next Tuesday, May 29th.

Edward Everett Hale's story of a U.S. Army officer in the early 19th century. Caught up in Aaron Burr's conspiracy, when court-martialled, he wishes he might never hear of the United States again. That becomes his sentence.

Especially for Memorial Day, this story, written during the American Civil War, takes us back to a time when the very existence of the United States was again in doubt. It begins when its protagonist, Philip Nolan, a young U.S. Army officer, is caught up with the Burr conspiracy in the early 19th century. Tried and found guilty of treason (unlike Burr, who was acquitted), Nolan curses his country and wishes he may never hear of it again. His sentence is to have his wish granted: he is put into custody of the U.S. Navy, and in many different ships, over the course of fifty-five years, never again comes within a hundred miles of America, or hears of her until his death. In the climax of the story, the officer responsible for Nolan, reformed into a fervent (if ignorant) patriot, doesn't have the heart to tell him of the Civil War, knowing it would break his heart. His repentance gives the story its power, and his shame, broken only to shyly extend kindness to young naval officers and men in the course of his captivity, is palpable. As America looks forward to another election, one sentence from this tale seems particularly pertinent (yet again): "...I have thought our danger was in keeping up those regular successions in the first families." All the officers in charge struggle to do their duty, despite fecklessness of their superiors. Elements in this story, from patriotic devotion to government claims of ignorance or deniability, continue to this day.

Conclusion: Kim and the lama return to the plains, both ill. Rest and healing at the house of the virtuous (and garrulous) old woman of Kulu. The lama and Mahbub discuss Kim's future, and the transfigured lama brings Kim to the end of the Search.

Nathaniel Hawthorne's parable of holiness and humility in the White Mountain valleys that look up to New Hampshire's now fallen Old Man of the Mountain.

After crisis, the Lama and Kim are welcomed in a small mountain village. There the lama teaches, meditates, and changes direction, though weak. Kim meets the woman of the village, and negotiates badly needed help.

The lama finds rejuvenation in the Hills, and crisis, when he and Kim encounter a team of foreign spies.

Lama and disciple take to the Road to visit the hospitable and sharp-tongued lady they met before. At her place, they encounter a hakim or healer, and arrange to return to the lama's beloved Hills.