Published in 1923, THE PROPHET is the narrative of Almustafa, a man preparing to return to the island of his birth after 12 years away. Before he departs, the people of his adopted city ask him to reflect on ideas such as love, the law, freedom, and self-knowledge. His answers are poetic and wise--the style is closer to the Gospels than to today's crop of inspirational titles--and their beauty is enhanced by the pitch-perfect narration of Paul Sparer. Sparer has a magnificent voice that can't help but evoke Orson Welles. Whatever your religious bent, this recording, first released in 1985, is well worth a listen. D.B. (c) AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine

 

In his reading of THE PROPHET, narrator Paul Sparer takes on the tone and pace of the wise teacher who is the centerpiece of Gibran's famous work. Sparer's low, patient voice evokes images of fireside talks that stretch long into the night, despite the fact that the book itself is light on physical description. With Sparer's voice as a vehicle, the Prophet's words ring all the more true. His voice recalls the tenderness of a parent speaking to a child, the humor of a friend's confidence and camaraderie, and the patience of one who has seen and understands the world and who seeks to impart wisdom to those in search of enlightenment. The words themselves are inspiring, and their power is enhanced by Sparer's attentive and careful treatment. A.A. (c) AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine