Villette

Nadia May presents Lucy Stone, the sensitive, yet indomitable, young English woman who ventures off to France without means or family support. Whether crisply teaching English at Madame Beck's school for girls in Villette or lonely and despairing in a foreign culture, May convincingly portrays the many moods and complex character of Charlotte Bront‘'s heroine. Also, May seamlessly shifts accents and tone, distinguishing the rest of the characters that crowd this Gothic novel--old and young, English and French, male and female. Her many voices, with subtle timing, sweep us at a quick clip through a narrative of psychological insight and vividly rendered places, people and landscapes. J.H.L. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine


Bront‘'s lengthy account of Lucy Snowe's teaching career in a French school for girls is the perfect vehicle for Karen Cass. She shows the full range of her talents in vocalizing French and English speakers of all ages. She delivers French dialogue with ease and is convincing in both female and male roles. Her most touching vocalization is that of a motherless child who enters Lucy's life. Cass paints an endearing portrait of the frightened and fragile little girl, who resurfaces later to play a pivotal role in Lucy's chances for marital bliss. Cass's delightful portrayals of key events and characters help the listener peek into the world of VILLETTE. J.J.B. (c) AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine