A Passage to India

Having interpreted Inspector Ghote and assorted Anglo-Indians in the Keating mysteries, Sam Dastor is an obvious choice to narrate Forster's novel about colonial India. Dastor's performance is outstanding. A huge cast of characters of all classes and nationalities comes vibrantly alive as he takes the voice of each. Yes, but how does his interpretation compare to that of Frederick Davidson in the 1992 Blackstone production (AudioFile, Feb. '93). Although Davidson gives a fine performance, especially in his sensitive treatment of female characters, Dastor cannot be surpassed. His eloquent reading transforms into powerful performance literature. Thjis, then, is marginally the better of the two audio versions, but either is superior to the printed book. With the multitude of voices and the literary distinction of the prose, A Passage to India is a joy in audio. J.C. Winner of AUDIOFILE Earphones Award (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine