Martin Jarvis is the perfect reader, as his lilting and soothing voice carries listeners along on a swell of nostalgia, leaving them wishing that they could have been there to celebrate all of Mr Chipping's happiness with him.
©1997 CSA Word; (P)2006 CSA Word
"A Sweet Old Story"
The story is achingly sweet, sad, and triumphant, and the narration is a marvel. How can such a long story be told so quickly and with so much detail that you feel as if have been in another world for days with it's short telling is done? The narration is superb and endearing.
Rating scale: 5=Loved it, 4=Liked it, 3=Ok, 2=Disappointed, 1=Hated it. I look for well developed characters, compelling stories.
"Wonderful to listen to"
This story has long been one of my favorite movies, and I do think that this is a rare case of the movie being a richer experience than the book. The book is very short (shorter than the movie in fact), and relates, mostly in third person narrative - very little dialogue - the events of Mr. Chips' life and career as a beloved schoolmaster. Being familiar with the story, I could envision the scenes from the film as they were narrated in the book. Martin Jarvis beautifully captured the tone of Mr. Chips' voice, adding to the enjoyment. Those not familiar with the 1939 movie may not be able to envision the scenes so well. I do think because of the excellent reading by Jarvis that this is better heard than read, whether you know the movie or not. I got this title on sale, and the price made it a very nice selection.