The Apprenticeship of Lucas Whitaker

In his rich, gravelly voice John McDonough narrates the story of 12-year-old orphan, Lucas Whitaker, who comes to apprentice with Dr. Uriah Beecher when his family is lost to consumption in the mid-1800's. McDonough's readings of the deep-voiced doctor and his brusque and officious sister are differentiated from Lucas's lighter, more tentative tones. The unhurried pace is in keeping with an era that lacked haste and allowed for the sort of rumination Lucas must undertake as he struggles to untangle the scientific and popular beliefs about the causes of disease. Middle-grade listeners will be attracted by the skull in the cover art and won't be disappointed. T.B. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine