This history nerd was elated to be selected to do this review. And, this dramatization based on the novel by G.A. Henty did not disappoint!
This CD is radio theater at its best-- with every realistic sound and dramatic effect to grab the listener and place them smack in the middle of the action. I think an audio format is a brilliant idea, especially in this day and age when so many have lost their sense of imagination and creativity due to watching things always unfold on a screen. The listener of the radio theater must use his/her imagination to envision what they are hearing. The amazing acoustics coupled with a talented cast made this something extraordinary. Sean Astin of the Lord of the Rings and Kirk Cameron lead the cast. You can read about the entire cast here. The soundtrack was composed by Emmy-winning composer John Campbell of Narnia fame.
The package I received included the 2-disc set and bonuses: a digital study guide, a printable poster and a quote by Robert E. Lee, an MP3 download of the official soundtrack and the complete e-book.
- Listening Well- these questions can be answered simply by listening to the audio.
- Thinking Further- these questions are a bit more challenging and require skills such as drawing conclusions or predicting someone's actions or thoughts in a situation.
- Defining Words-This section gives the student the opportunity to expand their vocabulary and define some words in the audio that they might not have understood.
The CD is over 2 hours of action and adventure packed audio that is appropriate for your entire family. It is filled with valor, determination, courage, character building and virtue. In addition to that action and adventure, this CD covers the human story of war and it is quite touching in many parts of the story. It is also ironically very timely, as our nation today is grappling with the issue of states rights vs. federal government authority.
The story if about 15 year old Vincent Wingfield who enlists in the cavalry of the Army of Northern Virginia. He has the opportunity to meet great leaders like Lee and Jackson. He witnesses first hand the unwavering and steadfast faith of General Lee and becomes able to reconcile his support for the rights of slaves with the need to fight for the south in the 'War Between the States.' I especially loved the moral lessons that kids (and all of us, for that matter) can take away from this production and apply in their own lives. For example, the protagonist in the story learns to rely on God and others to see him through. He shows genuine compassion and friendship and proves himself to be trustworthy and loyal.
Check out this brief video about the production
This drama not only is entertainment at its best, but it is engaging and thought-provoking. The Christian themes are encouraging and the content is educational-- you will learn things you never did in school and will have discussions with your children about very important topics for days after you are done listening.
I could not have asked for more!
Links to social media for Heirloom Audio Productions:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WithLeeInVirginia
https://www.facebook.com/heirloomaudio
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/HeirloomStories
Google+: https://www.plus.google.com/b/114534826166314080647/114534826166314080647/posts
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