My Rating: ★★★★★
Author: Stephen King
Narrator: Steven Weber
Publisher: Blackstone Audio

 

The Story:

This was not my first trip to Derry, ME. I’ve read the novel two or three times and sat through the TV series at least twice. IT has always been one of those books that stuck with me long after I had read it.  This book is a mammoth coming of age horror novel that is guaranteed to scare the hell out of everyone who cares to dive into the little town of Derry, Maine.

Since this book has been around for quite a while I’m not going to go into much detail on the story. Instead I will focus the review on the audio production. If you would like to know more about the story visit the following wikipedia page:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/It_(novel)

Caveat: I feel that I should mention that there is one section of the book near the very end that is particularly disturbing. I have often wished this section had not been included or that it had been changed to something a little more innocent. Unfortunately it is there and it will make you feel pretty awkward and a little dirty.

Audio Production: I have to admit that I was a bit nervous about starting this audiobook. My main concern was whether Steven Weber would do justice to the voice of Pennywise the clown. To me the voice of Pennywise had always been Tim Curry. I remember watching the TV series sometime after I had read the novel and being completely freaked out by Tim Curry’s portrayal of the evil clown. He brought the character of Pennywise to life for me and it gave me nightmares. So from that point forward any time I read the novel and pictured Pennywise I saw and “heard” Tim Curry.

All of my concerns were forgotten within the first hour of this audiobook. Steven Weber’s performance is unsurpassed. I got the sense that Mr. Weber poured everything he had into this project.  He puts so much emotion into his narration that it completely absorbs the listener and physically drags them kicking and screaming into Derry.  There were several times when I found myself holding my breath during one of Pennywise’s appearances. Afterwards I would gather myself and think “Holy Crap!”

His portrayal of the voice of Pennywise inspires in the listener a primative response.. you can feel a surge of adrenaline, your heart rate increases and you get the feeling that everything around you is a threat to your survival. It kind of feels like you are standing right in front of the lion’s cage (barely out of reach of it’s massive paws) on a day when it is particularly pissed off.

Audiobook Preview – I still worry about Bevvy… Beverly hears voices coming from the bathroom sink in the following sample:

Steven Weber’s narration of IT will remind you that audiobook narration is an art form. If you are a fan of horror, do yourself a favor and get your hands on a copy of this audiobook. I can’t recommend it enough!

Library edition available from Blackstone Audio. Retail edition available from Penguin Audio

Buy “IT” direct from Penguin Audio

Disclosure: I received this audiobook as a review copy from the publisher