Great American Stories

Ten unabridged stories by four authors make up this collection. Each author's work is read by a different actor. The strongest, both in terms of stories and narration, are the stories by Mark Twain, read by Patrick Fraley. His rendition of voices and accents is remarkable. Ross Holcomb conveys the eerie atmosphere needed for Ambrose Bierce's "The Eyes of the Panther" and "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge." Bruce Robertson provides straightforward narration of the Jack London stories, letting the stark harshness and danger of life in the far North speak to the listener. The classic "To Build a Fire" is so powerful that it almost overwhelms the listener. The Crane stories, "The Blue Hotel" and "The Bride Comes to Yellow Sky," are the weakest material. Patrick Hogan does a good job with vocal characterizations nevertheless. Overall, this is a solid production, reminding listeners of the power and beauty in the classic works of these authors. M.A.M. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine