When I was in the 5th or 6th grade, we were made to read this story and I remember not being at all impressed.
It has a slow build and sure, a kid dies but it wasn't that creepy. The problem was I was too young to appreciate it. I was an avid reader but I read stories that had action and adventure and didn't require nuance in my interpretation. When I read it I was hearing it in MY inner voice and at that age I just wasn't a good narrator. (I have a whole other rant on how people are turned off from literature by being forced to read it before they are individually, mentally ready for it but that is not why I am here now). Sadly, my poor reading of that story coloured the way I viewed D. H. Lawrence from then on.
Until now.
Alasdair has fixed all of that. His reading had me transfixed. It's the length and placement of the pauses, the inflection, the vocal dynamics ... ITS ACTING. This is the same story I read a lifetime ago but now I think it is brilliant and that is all due to this narration.
Thank you Alasdair.