The Railway Children

by Marcy Kahan (Adapter), E. Nesbit, Paul Copley (Narrator)

Paul Copley and Timothy Bateson star in a BBC Radio full-cast dramatisation of E. Nesbit's enchanting and unforgettable classic. Roberta, Peter and Phyllis lead an ordinary suburban life with Mother and Father, enjoying trips to the zoo and the pantomime. But when Father is mysteriously taken away one night, everything changes. The children must move to the country, to a little white cottage near the railway line, where eventually they find that there are plenty of adventures to be had and friends to be made - including Perks the Porter and the Station Master himself. But the mystery remains - what has happened to Father, and will he come back? The story of Roberta, Peter and Phyllis and their life in the country has never been out of print since it was first published in 1906. Charming, sentimental and unforgettable, the novel retains all its enchantment and enduring appeal in this BBC Radio full-cast dramatisation.

Genres: Audiobook, Historical Fiction, Childrens

2 pages, Audio CD

Published August 7, 2006

About the author

Marcy Kahan (born 4 July) is a British playwright and radio dramatist, who is half-Canadian and half-American.[1][2] She is a prolific author of urbane comedies for the BBC. She was born in Montreal, educated at Somerville College, Oxford and trained in theatre in Paris with the Lecoq School teachers, Philippe Gaulier and Monika Pagneux.

Reviews

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lively full-cast audio production by BBC.

interesting quotes:

"I think everyone in the world is friends, if you could only get them to see that you don't want to be unfriends." (p. )

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I checked out this "audiobook" thinking that it was the book that I read as a child. I did not realize that it was a radio version of the book. It was not nearly as good as the original book, but it was fun to listen to it in a play version.

[Sheri S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very sweet book with wonderful characters who demonstrate good values. I know a lot of the old classics, like this one, do not get read as much as they once were. However, this is a good one and makes me reflect on positive sibling interactions and how much people used to take care of one another without expectation of reward or recognition.
Roberta, Phyllis and Peter appreciate what they have (though it is not always very much) and develop caring relationships with the people in their town and at the rail station. They show genuine care to the people they interact with and want only good for others. When recognized for their heroic work, they remain humble and kind and do not dwell on their good work.

[A.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This recording demonstrates why BBC Radio is the eighth wonder of the world. Nesbit's heartwarming tale is perfectly brought to life by a wonderful cast and brilliant director. It filled me with a delightful nostalgia for the literature of my childhood like Enid Blyton and Arthur Ransome. The voices and the beautiful British accents are perfect for the period.

[Mikayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

E. Nesbits writing voice is so adorable, I love her characters even though they pretty much are the same cast in each book. =)