The Preservationist.

THE PRESERVATIONIST. David Maine. 2004. Various readers. 6 cds. 6.5 hrs. High-Bridge Audio. 1-56511-871-5. $29.95. Plastic; plot notes. A

In this unusual take on the Biblical story of the Flood, Noe (Noah) is a centuries-old cantankerous autocrat with a direct line to God, who appears to him in multiple forms and gives him bizarre tasks. His wife is long-suffering and practical. Son Shem, married to a strong, sensible woman, is obedient and conservative. Ham, more rebellious and independent, is wed to a pale-skinned woman who knows about snow. Japheth is a mouthy, typically sex-obsessed 16-year-old with a fey 14-yearold wife.

Each fully rounded main character is portrayed well by a different actor or actress. Their stories and comments alternate, giving interest and tension to what is otherwise one of the most familiar tales in the world. The varied, often clashing personalities and the physical stresses of the long, cramped voyage with hundreds of smelly, needy animals are so vividly imagined by the author that the novel has a reality far beyond the spare account in Genesis. It embellishes the original text but doesn't stray from its basics. Some of the modernization in language and attitude seems anachronistic, but as a result current listeners, especially young adults, probably can relate better to the family's problems. Many sexual references. Readers include Tyler Bunch, Wendy Hoopes, Clayton Barclay Jones, John Randolph Jones, Jenni Lamia, David Pittu, Maggi-Meg Reed, and Barbara Rosenblat. Pat Dole, Richmond, VA

A--Recommended for advanced students and adults. This code will help librarians and teachers working in high schools where there are honors and advanced placement students. This also will help extend KLIATT's usefulness in public libraries.