Next Project

My narration of the last chapter of Kipling's "Kim" has just been released, so a choice on the next major project I undertake is imminent. In the next day or two, I plan to add a note with thoughts on "Kim," and also Hawthorne's "The Great Stone Face," but here's what's mainly on my mind-
For those who have been kind enough to listen to my podcast, please let me know if this seems worthwhile: R.D. Blackmore's "Lorna Doone."
Here's why it interests me:
-First, I had a horrible misconception of what the book is. I thought it was some imitation of Sir Walter Scott, merely derivative. In fact, it's flavor and setting are quite distinct. This is a story of England's West Country, during the Restoration, when the law didn't reach into the far corners of the kingdom, and robber barons were not metaphorical.
-Second, nothing to do with cookies, despite Nabisco. The connection must be the prized butter of Devon mentioned in the story, and shortbread. Of course, using real butter in mass-produced cookies would probably leave them stale and rancid, so I credit Nabisco with doing a good job of capturing the taste in their butterless recipe, though the romantic in me is disappointed.
-Third, the characters. There is modesty and integrity in both Lorna and Jan Ridd, which made them a pleasure to know. There is also an occasional pungent proverb, showing Jan's strong judgment.
-Finally, the language. I had the pleasure of recording part of this book for Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic, Connecticut chapter, and found what seemed to me a "voice" for Jan Ridd, who tells this tale. The accent would be the West Country of England, which seemed to me to fit the "pirate accent" that we know in America from Robert Newton's classic portrayal of Long John Silver in Treasure Island. The rector of our church, an English lady from Somerset, confirmed that.

Of course, I'm open to suggestions; please bear in mind that this podcast is limited to works in the public domain (unless you own the rights, in which case I'd be happy to negotiate).

Unless persuaded to the contrary, I expect to start podcasting "Lorna Doone" by next Tuesday, May 29th.