Long After Midnight

Michael Prichard delivers these classic sci-fi stories in a voice that barely waivers in pitch and intonation no matter where the story leads. It sounds like he never connects with the text, and the result is not complimentary to the stories, which were written by a master--possibly THE master--of the genre. Most of the works have an unusual or ironic twist at the end that leaves the listener amazed. While each story is carefully read, Prichard spares barely a breath before launching into the next. Overall, the listener will find this production a challenge. M.B.K. (c) AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine

September 27, 2010
This quirky collection of short stories by master storyteller Bradbury provides a fascinating kaleidoscope of his work up to the 1970s. While it inevitably includes tales of science fiction and fantasy including Martians transmuting into Christ figures, deserted worlds, and witches in New York, readers will also be surprised to find a mixture of mainstream fiction. Bradbury includes stories paying homage to Ernest Hemingway ("The Parrot Who Met Papa") and George Bernard Shaw ("G.B.S.-Mark V"). Michael Prichard performs many of the stories well, with competent pacing, tone, and distinct voices. However, throughout a good deal of Prichard's readings, there's an underlying restraint—at times, it even sounds if
he's clenching his jaw. Still, the collection will provide fans with some great stories from several different genres.