The Ancient Minstrel

Harrison, who died in March 2016, leaves a rich audio legacy, and this trio of novellas will hold a special attraction for his longtime fans. Three narrators interpret Harrison's distinctive voice and outlook, and each conveys perfectly the contrary and carefully balanced elements that make up the three central characters. The individual stories are mainly third-person narrative with little dialogue or sustained action--making the narrator's voice that much more important, and defining. Mark Bramhall has delivered previous titles of Harrison's, notably LEGENDS OF THE FALL, and he and Keith Szarabajka bring to maximum effect Harrison's randy- old-man humor and the verbal richness of his style. Xe Sands, working with a quieter and more nuanced story, captures most effectively the intricate bond between people and their livestock--chickens and, in the title story, pigs--that forms a central theme of the collection. D.A.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine