Barry Lyndon

William Makepeace Thackeray, read by Jonathan Keeble. Naxos AudioBooks, unabridged, 11 CDs, 13 hrs., $67.98 ISBN 978-184-379-708-1

Thackeray’s classic tale of Barry Lyndon, who escapes his life on the Emerald Isle to pursue a more luxurious existence in England, is reimagined in this audio edition, narrated by Jonathan Keeble. Reading in a rich, accented voice and making use of understated narration, Keeble immediately transports listeners back to the 18th century. His tone is firm and commanding, and he digs deep into Thackeray’s prose to precisely capture the very essence of Lyndon. Keeble’s narration is well paced, his timing impeccable. And while this audiobook weighs in at about 13 hours—a lengthy commitment for the casual listener—Keeble manages to keep his audience engaged for the duration. (Jan.)

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