Sons and Lovers

SONS AND LOVERS, published in 1913, was Lawrence's first great novel, and its richly drawn characters are magnificently brought to life in this production. Though this is his first audiobook, narrator Paul Slack reads with flawless composure, subtly adjusting his resonant voice for each member of the Morel family and their circle. He is suitably gruff as a coal miner yet movingly tender as he relates the final hours of Gertrude Morel, a scene based on the death of Lawrence's own mother. He's also convincing in his handling of the East Midlands dialect the author slips into the dialogue. A simply outstanding performance by Slack; one hopes it is the start of a long career as a narrator. D.B. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award (c) AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine


The joy and hope with which Gertrude Morel begins her marriage quickly deteriorates into anger and disillusionment, then blossoms again years later with the growth of her children. Paul Slack's understated performance showcases Lawrence's brilliant use of irony and his masterful portrayal of the Morel family. The production's low volume at the beginning of the book will have some listeners reaching for the volume control, but one soon becomes accustomed to the somber tone. While Slack lightens his voice for female characters and roughens it for some of the men, the effect is always minimal, staying out of the way of the story itself. Some works may be enhanced by an audio performance, but transparency works better for this one, and Slack achieves exactly that. R.L.L. (c) AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine