Dear Mr Keeble,
I've been a Librivox listener for about five or six years, I suppose, and in that time I've heard some really terrific readers. I've never been moved to thank one until now.
I first stumbled upon the Dr Nikola series while searching for mysteries to get me through my sinks full of dirty dishes. (Some of us still wash dishes by hand.) I was so gripped by the first one that I eagerly went through all the rest... finishing with what I gather was the last one you recorded, but not the last in the series.
I then discovered that you had recorded
Great Expectations, and gave it a try. I have just finished it. This was far too good to consign to dishwashing, and besides, I've been home sick with a tenacious virus. The days have been passing pleasantly (take that, virus!) as I immersed myself in Pip, either lying immobile or sitting up and mending a tattered jacket. I've been able to focus on every word, and every vocal nuance. It has been a joy.
Many years ago I listened to a commercial recording of this book, but it hadn't a fraction of the impact that your rendition had. Yours is the best reading I've ever heard, and I simply had to write and thank you. In fact, I was so taken with it that I've started it over again...something I've never done before. At first, I just wanted to hear the opening chapters again, and--with knowledge of hindsight--see how Dickens had set it all up. But it's too good to stop, abruptly...and so, I'm reveling in listening to it a second time. It's heart-wrenching, through and through, and you bring out all the pathos and wisdom without being too overt about it. Your rendition is understated, and the more powerful for it. You have Joe's voice perfect; in fact, all the voices are perfect. The Aged Parent is perfect. Wemmick is masterful. The convict is...perfect.
All in all, I can't thank you enough for volunteering to give us these books. Know that they have made a positive impact on the world.
Gratefully,
E.R.