The Case of Charles Dexter Ward by H. P. Lovecraft - Read by Neil Hellegers
Charles Dexter Ward is a young man from a prominent Rhode Island family with a keen interest in history. He spends much of his childhood wandering the streets of ancient Providence, drawn inexorably to its architecture, as well as it’s colourful heritage. As an adult he continues his antiquarian leanings and subsequently discovers a hitherto unknown ancestor, Joseph Curwen. One with a shadowy past which hints at the pursuit of alchemy and other arcane practises. Charles decides to uncover the truth regarding Joseph Curwen and over time his interest changes into obsession. His Father begins to worry about his son’s fixation and the family Doctor, Marinus Bicknell Willett, decides to keep an eye upon the youth’s state of mind. A series of curious events hint at a growing eldritch malevolence and Doctor Willett begins to suspect that Charles is in grave danger from a menace stretching across time.
Charles Dexter Ward is a young man from a prominent Rhode Island family with a keen interest in history. He spends much of his childhood wandering the streets of ancient Providence, drawn inexorably to its architecture, as well as it’s colourful heritage. As an adult he continues his antiquarian leanings and subsequently discovers a hitherto unknown ancestor, Joseph Curwen. One with a shadowy past which hints at the pursuit of alchemy and other arcane practises. Charles decides to uncover the truth regarding Joseph Curwen and over time his interest changes into obsession. His Father begins to worry about his son’s fixation and the family Doctor, Marinus Bicknell Willett, decides to keep an eye upon the youth’s state of mind. A series of curious events hint at a growing eldritch malevolence and Doctor Willett begins to suspect that Charles is in grave danger from a menace stretching across time.
The Case of Charles Dexter Ward by H. P. Lovecraft, is a short novel that first appeared in Weird Tales in 1941. It is an uncomplicated story with a straightforward narrative arc. A young man’s obsession with an unsavoury ancestor leads to him replicating his alchemical and cabalistic research with suitably unpleasant results. However, it’s strength lies in the details that Lovecraft lavishes upon the proceedings. The loquacious descriptions of Providence, the historical details of 18th century life and culture in the State of Rhode Island and the inclusion of real characters from the era, such as Abraham Whipple, John and Moses Brown and Esek Hopkins is compelling. Once again Lovecraft alludes to ancient and arcane forces lurking beyond the veil of human understanding and perception. As ever the terror he evokes lies in the suggestion of something unfathomably evil and utterly alien impinging upon our world.
This unabridged reading of The Case of Charles Dexter Ward by Neil Hellegers is well paced and atmospheric. Hellegers, who has a great deal of experience with recording audio books, has clear diction and measured intonation, providing subtle detail to each character. His pronunciation of some of the complex names in the Cthulhu Mythos is assured. The story’s six hour running time is broken down into manageable audio chapters. Overall this is a well presented and exclusive reading of Lovecraft’s story, to be found only on Audible. It is accessible to both those familiar with the writings of H. P. Lovecraft and those who are new to his body or work. It certainly features one of his most notable and sinister villains. The story leaves several plot devices purposely vague and it is enjoyable to ponder on them after listening.
Audiobooks
In my youth I was a prodigious reader. I spent many a happy weekend visiting my local library and often spent my pocket money on books as a child. Overtime, I changed from reading fiction to non-fiction. More recently, a lot of my reading has been done online, consumed either via my office PC or tablet. That’s not to say that I don’t buy paperback or hardback books anymore. I still consider this to be the preferred experience. There is something fundamentally exciting about sitting down in a comfy chair, reading at your own pace, away from distractions. However last year I injured my left arm and I have subsequently found holding a large hardback book to be a difficult experience. So for the sake of convenience I started listening to audiobooks instead. I’ve always enjoyed them considering them a great alternative to traditional print media. What my recent foray into this format has taught me is how much the medium of the audiobook has grown.
In my youth I was a prodigious reader. I spent many a happy weekend visiting my local library and often spent my pocket money on books as a child. Overtime, I changed from reading fiction to non-fiction. More recently, a lot of my reading has been done online, consumed either via my office PC or tablet. That’s not to say that I don’t buy paperback or hardback books anymore. I still consider this to be the preferred experience. There is something fundamentally exciting about sitting down in a comfy chair, reading at your own pace, away from distractions. However last year I injured my left arm and I have subsequently found holding a large hardback book to be a difficult experience. So for the sake of convenience I started listening to audiobooks instead. I’ve always enjoyed them considering them a great alternative to traditional print media. What my recent foray into this format has taught me is how much the medium of the audiobook has grown.
As an Amazon Prime customer the most immediate port of call for audiobooks is the Audible service. There is a 30 day trial which gives you 1 credit, allowing you to purchase for free any available title. This is particularly beneficial as you can choose a new release if you see fit. Of course other providers are available and should not be overlooked. After my trial expired I was offered a further discount if I continued as a subscriber, which I accepted. The terms were favourable. Hence since last November I have acquired 5 audiobooks and only spent £12. There’s always a deal to be had and Amazon would rather have some of your money rather than none. The books can be downloaded and accessed whether you are currently subscribing or not and played on a variety of platforms. I find the seamless integration with the Amazon Echo very useful. I also like the feature where you can continue listening from where you previously finished, across multiple devices.
Although I enjoy reading for myself, I also like being read to. I think the key to a good audiobook is finding an appropriate narrator. If this is done correctly, then an audiobook becomes a far more satisfying experience. I would also argue that the sharing of stories touches something very primeval within us and elicits not only an intellectual response but something very emotional as well. There are other benefits to audiobooks as well. For example when listening to the works of J.R.R. Tolkien it is interesting to hear the correct pronunciation of the various languages. Also, leisurely paced narration that follows the punctuation correctly, allows the listener to ponder and digest what they’re listening to. And then there is the calming quality of certain narrators who bring an additional quality to the proceedings due to their dulcet tones.
At present my listening tastes favour non-fiction. I like material that makes you think and has a degree of factual and intellectual rigour. Hence I have listened to the following over the last 4 months:
How Not to Be Wrong: The Art of Changing Your Mind by James O'Brien.
Politically Homeless by Matt Forde.
How to Be a Liberal: The Story of Liberalism and the Fight for Its Life by Ian Dunt.
I'm a Joke and So Are You: Reflections on Humour and Humanity by Robin Ince.
The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark by Carl Sagan.
All of these have been very rewarding and food for thought. All except the Carl Sagan book are read by their respective authors.