cover image The Warden

The Warden

Anthony Trollope, read by David Shaw-Parker. Naxos AudioBooks, unabridged, six CDs, 7.5 hrs., $41.98 ISBN 978-1-84379-686-2

This first novel in Trollope%E2%80%99s classic Chronicles of Barsetshire series pits reformer John Bold against Septimus Harding, the precentor of Barchester Cathedral and warden of Hiram%E2%80%99s Hospital, an almshouse supported by a bequest to the local diocese. As Bold works to expose the fact that more of the charity%E2%80%99s income goes to Harding than to its bedesmen, he begins to take a romantic interest in Harding%E2%80%99s youngest daughter, Eleanor. In this audio edition, narrator David Shaw-Parker delivers a winning performance that keeps listeners engaged throughout. With a deep, accented voice Shaw-Parker brings this 19th-century novel to life. His timing and tone are spot-on and he creates distinct voices for the book%E2%80%99s many characters. (Apr.)