For the past few years, we've eagerly awaited the next "Legendary Story of G. A. Henty" offered by Heirloom Audio Productions, and our wait for The Cat of Bubastes began early this summer when we last visited with Mr. George back in Beric the Briton as he was sailing for Egypt. Matthew was especially eager to hear this audio drama adaptation because he read the book when he studied ancient Egypt during his World History course. As always, we were not disappointed.
The story begins just outside Egypt, as a new crop of captives has been brought as slaves. A vivid description of the Egyptian culture is given, from the statues of Egyptian gods to some humorous though less-than-charitable translations of the language. We had a good laugh over the teasing.
Each of Henty's stories has an underlying theme that propels the story forward, and The Cat of Bubastes is no different. Ameres of Thebes chooses Amuba to be one of his slaves, who in turn asks for his friend Jethro to be taken into the house as well. He agrees, remarking, "It is the duty of all men to give happiness to those around him if it lies in his power." This theme continues throughout the story, where respect regardless of rank, position, or appearance is expected simply because it is the way things should be. Ameres even reprimands his wife for her inhospitable behavior towards the slaves, and the boys in turn instinctively offer to take in an Israelite girl, Ruth, when her grandfather worries for her future.
Much more than just an "audiobook," Heirloom Audio productions are considered "Active Listening Audio Adventures" - audio dramas with fast moving stories that use dialog, music, and sound effects to draw the listener into the piece. No detail is overlooked, down to thundering footsteps racing towards the distant shrieks of a woman under attack from a snapping crocodile, and even the battle to save a friend from the vicious beast.
This is the first time we've directly compared one of Henty's original texts with an Heirloom Audio adaptation. If Matthew had had his way, he would have liked to have listened to this rather than reading the book. Despite being considered one of Henty's greatest action stories, I found the original story dry as well. Generally, I would say that it's better to first read the book, and then watch (or listen to, in this case) the "movie." However, I think introducing the story with this production, which carefully adapts the original story, and then reading the book would make the book more approachable to younger readers or those who struggle with keeping characters, plot, and themes organized when reading.
In addition to the 2-CD story set, Crew members received access to downloadable extras. One of our favorites was the MP3 version of composer John Campbell's soundtrack. While the music beautifully enhances the spoken story, several of the pieces are spellbinding in isolation. I know that voice acting can be difficult, and the actors in the drama are excellent at bringing the story to life, but once again, I find myself wanting to play the soundtrack itself over and over again.
Another downloadable extra is a chapter-by-chapter study guide. It includes not only questions that test listening skills, but also critical thinking skills. I like how the latter are worded because they are extremely open-ended and easily interpreted on many levels. The questions and vocabulary words are organized by Chapter/CD Track, making it easy for the boys to go back and re-listen to catch anything they may have missed on the first listening.
Once again, Heirloom Audio Productions has produced an exceptional story for all ages of listeners. At the close of the story, "Henty" hints at returning to "London on the 14th of July, which is a date that has significance in quite another story..." Could that be hinting at an adaptation of Henty's retelling of the French Revolution? We will be anxiously awaiting their next offering!
For more reviews from the Homeschool Review Crew, click the banner below. You can also read our past reviews of other productions, and follow Heirloom Audio Productions on Social Media:
Beric The Briton
The Dragon and the Raven
With Lee in Virginia
In Freedom's Cause
Under Drake's Flag
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