The Raven's Tale

March 4, 2019
Winters (Odd & True) delves into the life of young Edgar Allan Poe in this elegantly scripted, detailed exploration of a world in which muses take corporeal form. Edgar is counting down the days until he departs from the home of his foster parents in Richmond, Va., for the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. While it means leaving behind his love, Elmira, he is eager to escape his foster father, John, who is determined to squash young Edgar’s artistic inclinations. The arrival of Edgar’s muse, Lenore, complicates his plan, though. She appears as the physical embodiment of the Gothic art and prose he is so inclined toward, and she terrifies nearly everyone who sees her, particularly John. As Edgar grows into his talents, he’s caught between following his muse and the desire to conform to his foster father’s wishes. This well-researched and darkly entertaining tale serves as an excellent introduction to Poe and his classic works, and it includes a memorable character in Lenore, whose own story of becoming cleverly parallels Edgar’s coming-of-age challenges. Ages 12–up. Agent: Barbara Poelle, Irene Goodman Literary Agency.

Michael Crouch and Nicole Wood share the narration of this gothic ode to the power of creativity. Crouch portrays a teenaged Edgar Allan Poe, who longs for the day he can leave Richmond, Virginia, and his overbearing foster father behind. Just as his goal is within sight, his Muse steps from the shadows to upend all his plans. Crouch infuses his narration with all the fervent emotion a talented but stifled teenager can command. Wood voices the Muse, Lenore, with a perfect blend of menace and longing as she encourages Poe to give in to all of his most dramatic impulses. Both narrators embrace the use of Poe's iconic language and style in this thrilling homage. N.M. � AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine