Hansel and Gretel

Claire Bloom conveys both grave and humorous moods in this collection of four fairy tales. The innocent and vulnerable voices of Hansel and Gretel juxtaposed with the scratchy voice of the villainous witch captures the theme of good against evil so common to Grimm tales. The other three stories--"The Golden Goose," "Mrs. Owl" and "Shiver and Shake"--show the lighter side of the Brothers Grimm. Bloom's serious tone contributes to the comic impact since it runs contrary to characters' actions. Rooted in oral tradition, folktales like this collection are made for audio. M.P.T. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine