The Chrysalids & Survival

John Wyndham published his postapocalyptic novel, THE CHRYSALIDS, in 1955. Today some readers might find its fear of mutation and attack on conformity a bit dated. However, this BBC dramatization brings the work to life. Stephen Garlick gives listeners an innocent David, who encounters the darker side of his society. The sound effects range from those of innocent play to brutal religious ritual, but all are exquisitely handled. The altered voices that evoke David's telepathic contacts are downright creepy. The adaptation of SURVIVAL is just as professionally done, and the voices are just as strong, but the story is less successful as an audio drama. There are too many scene changes that aren't grounded with sound effects, and the result is confusing. G.T.B. (c) AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine