The Kingdom by the Sea

Listening to this unabridged recording of Theroux's journey conveys the leisurely pace essential to the writer's observations and adventures. The title is not new, and this enhances one's sense of glimpsing a place in time. What will be particularly interesting to avid listeners is that this narration occured early in Keith's career. There's no mistaking his clear, softened British tones. However, he has matured and taken his craft to a higher plane. His style suits the Theroux journey; he's an excellent guide for the circumnavigation of Great Britain, offering each of the regional accents with distinction. R.F.W. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

September 30, 1991
Harry is safe in the backyard shelter when German bombs flatten his family's house. Numb and disoriented, he evades the authorities and makes his way to the beach, where he is befriended by Don, a stray dog. Together the boy and his new companion leave town and travel up the coast toward the holy island of Lindisfarne. Along the way the pair comes in contact with several remarkably kind people, some equally cruel ones and a few genuine eccentrics. At odds with the otherwise genial storytelling are scenes in which a sadistic homosexual corporal attempts to molest Harry. Here the author perpetuates an ugly, misguided stereotype by implying that the corporal's brutal behavior is part and parcel of his sexual preference. This flaw aside, much of the novel pleasantly blends the period details and high adventure typical of Westall's other World War II novels. Ages 10-up.

It's WWII England, and young Harry's parents and sister are killed in a bombing. Harry meets great kindness and cruelty as he fights for survival for himself and his newly acquired dog. Whately presents each of a diverse lot of characters very realistically. He also does the sound effects to recreate the bombings. Whately's delivery gives the listener a clear picture of this effecting story. An excellent purchase for young audiences; however, others especially WWII buffs would also enjoy this presentation. S.G.B. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine