David W. Dietz III

Definitely Not a "Poison" Production

Reviewed: 08-11-14

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

If you're looking for a short story classic to listen to while taking a short road trip or doing some gardening around the house, you can't do much better than this Hawthorne tale.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Rappaccini's Daughter?

The final confrontation (or "interview") between Giovanni and Beatrice wherein Giovanni learns that Dr. Rappacini has made him as poisonous to all other life around him as Beatrice herself - all in the name of love.

What about Steven Jay Cohen’s performance did you like?

It took me a few minutes to get accustomed to Cohen's breathy performance of the story. But, just as it takes time to grow accustomed to a new actor playing Doctor Who or Superman, I eventually fell under Cohen's spell. And, truth be told, I found my mind strayed less from his narration than it has for other narrators I've listened to.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Because it's only about an hour and a half long, I actually listened to it in my car as I was driving back home from my weekend retreat. So, yes, it's the perfect length for one sitting.

Any additional comments?

This was one of my favorite stories in high school, and it was a real treat to have it told to me once again. It's truly lost none of its power after all these years and remains a true literary classic.

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