(P)2008 BBC Audiobooks Ltd
"a classic beautifully read"
The classic tale of this famous fictional horse is beautifully read by one of the best readers around, the English actor Nathaniel Parker. As with all of his readings, he brings dramatic skill, sensitivity, and vocal dexterity into play once again. A treat for both child and adult, and a great gift for a special occasion (or even 'just because').
"Perfect reading of my favorite book"
Black Beauty has been my favorite book since childhood. I know it through and through, and there are some passages that I know by heart. I have never liked the various TV and movie adaptations of the story, and was particularly annoyed by Beauty's voice in the 1999 movie version, in which he sounds like a gerbil. When I found this recording by Nathaniel Parker, an actor I have long respected, I knew I had found the right one. I was not disappointed. Parker gives this moving, thought-provoking classic all the right touches. He brings the story to life with the different accents for the human characters and the lively voices for the equine characters, who are of course the most important. He made me smile at the humorous moments and brought tears to my eyes at the sad moments. Most importantly to me, in portraying Black Beauty, he sounds like a noble, spirited, thoughtful horse. Not a gerbil, not a man, but a horse. I don't know how he managed that, but he did it. I can't recommend this recording highly enough to those who already love this book or to those who are coming to it for the first time. You are in for a treat.
"Wonderful reading of a classic"
If you remember reading and re-reading this book as a child, then this audiobook is a new way to enjoy the story. The narrator is classic British - good characterizations and very clear speech. I listened to this audiobook almost continuously until the end!
An old broad that enjoys books of all types. Would rather read than write reviews though. I know what I like, and won't be bothered by crap.
"Childhood favorite!"
Horse survives Humans!
Yes, however I found myself bored a little and remembered how important pictures can be to a children's story. The story is good, but pictures improve it.
He is an excellent narrator and this is one of his best! Very much enjoyed his performance.
Beauty can do it!
"Narrator inconsistent"
I love the story, but I just didn't get on with this narrator. His voices slipped, and he had pauses in odd places.