At the Back of the North Wind (Radio Theatre)

Other reviewers have pointed out that At The Back Of The North Wind is not exactly the same in this radio-broadcast version as it is in MacDonald's book. This is strictly true. The book has some exuberant, exalted descriptive passages about traveling in the embrace of the North Wind through the sky, which words have been replaced by the soundtrack, complete with post-Romantic symphony orchestra. And yes, some fables and stories interpolated by MacDonald himself have been removed as well. In short, decisions have been made in order to fit At The Back Of The North Wind for a performance to be listened to with one's undivided attention as in the theater or in a concert hall, rather than the bedtime story savored in the privacy of the family home. So this is not the same relaxing, cozy experience which some grownups demand for their children. Rather this adaptation demands a little more of its audience, and gives much in return.Juliet Stevenson's North Wind is thoroughly theatrical, as one might expect from the distinguished, award-winning British actress (the premiere production of Death And The Maiden, for example, for which she was an award winner); she is also a seasoned audio-reader, with multiple credits for audio versions of Jane Austen novels. If her laugh strikes one previous reviewer as -- what was the word? -- nasty or something, one must remember that the North Wind is, amongst other things, the Angel of Death; she is not exactly going to sound like Billie Burke as Glinda the Good Witch of the North from the Wizard of Oz, after all!Thank Providence for the presence of the late lamented actor Tom Fleming, a lifelong native of Edinburgh, whose turn as the Narrator/Storyteller of At The Back Of The North Wind came near the very end of his long, illustrious career as a commentator and performer. Though Fleming adheres faithfully to the King's English of MacDonald's book throughout, his Scottish accent is unmistakeable, and his vocal presence is not a clipped chilly English character, but avuncular to the point of devoted paternal affection, perfectly suited to the Aberdeenshire-born MacDonald.And rest assured, MacDonald's moral message and multi-layered spirituality, both light and shadow, are presented intact. MacDonald, after all, cut his story-telling teeth on both the intense tragic drama of traditional Scottish ballads (eg "Owen Kemp") and on the Romanticism of such Germans as Hoffman (The Golden Pot), Novalis (Heinrich von Ofterdingen), Goethe, Schiller, and above all Heine. What I regret is that the two dreams, one for each of two sleeping children, have been either cut or drastically shortened for the radio play. It is true that the dreams are highly visual experiences with much subjective description, and these do not translate well to an audio medium. Nevertheless, as W. H. Auden has so sensitively observed in his critique of George MacDonald himself, the descriptions of dreaming-reality are amongst the most extraordinary and noteworthy passages in all of MacDonald's writing; this adaptation is the poorer without them. With At The Back Of The North Wind, MacDonald created a tale with deep roots, a sturdy trunk, and, improbably, wings, to carry the story high and far over time and space: one of his best, which is saying something.

This is an audio drama that deals with the complexities of loss, suffering and ultimately death. The quality is first rate, but it is sad. My boys did not want to finish it, and neither did I for that matter. We listen to radio drama on the way to school, and we usually prefer something a little more upbeat. This in no way takes away from the richness of the material and quality of the production, but if you are a looking for something light and entertaining, this isn't it.

I enjoyed the Chronicles of Narnia as presented by the Focus On Family theater, and am just as pleased with this selection. Rather than someone reading the books, they are a Radio Theater production with multiple players voicing the words of each character. I listen to these while I am on the road and they make each trip a pleasure and fly by. They are very well done, and recommend them to any family with children.

What a story. Well done in dramatic fashion, well done enough to keep the entire family intrigued until the end. The story has some depth and it's not for too young of children, I think. But, it's definitely a story to hear. Recommended! The production of this is first class.

A well-done dramatization. I wasn't familiar with this story. It's not for small children but adolescents will enjoy it.

We have loved the Radio Theatre Chronicles of Narnia series, and were excited to hear of this new production. The kids enjoyed as did we. The allegory is not quite as clear as the C. S. Lewis books, but still good.

All the Radio Theater productions that I've heard are excellent and this one is no exception. It brings a less well-known, but rich classic, to life. I think anyone who enjoys Radio Theater or anyone who likes classic children's literature would find this worth listening to.

I have always loved Radio Theatre productions for their vivid and lifelike audio representations of various timeless stories. At the Back of the North Wind - adapted from the book of the same name by George MacDonald - does not disappoint. Don't miss this story!

Love this story

Focus on the family radio theatres do not disappoint. We loved this version.