The Day of the Triffids

The first few seconds of THE DAY OF THE TRIFFIDS announce excellence in the form of an unusually clear recording of a marvelously cultivated voice reading a well-crafted text. The listener's engagement is immediate and effortless. The thoughtful, understated story of how the few survivors of a mysterious cataclysm cope with their changed world seems to tell itself without an intermediary performer. One might expect a work of science fiction that is more than 40 years old to seem dated; this one does not. Fine writing flawlessly projected-- this is what we hope for every time we load a new tape. J.N. Winner of AUDIOFILE Earphones Award (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

While most post-apocalyptic tales employ themes of ecological devastation, this BBC production goes in another direction. The majority of the world has been blinded, and the few people still alive must try to protect everyone from the aggressive and deadly plants known as "triffids." The story follows Bill and Josella as they reconcile themselves to their new lives in this world. Like most BBC productions, this one employs sound effects, background music, and a full cast of voices. With no narration, the production relies heavily on the tone and emotion of the characters as well as accurate and well-executed sound effects. Of course, the BBC impressively delivers. L.E. (c) AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine

While this 1951 sci-fi novel may have been written as an allegory of the Cold War with the Soviet Union, it fits into the contemporary post-apocalyptic genre as well. First, a glow generated by a meteor shower leaves almost everyone blind, and then the triffids--tall, poisonous plants--move in. Graeme Malcolm creates the atmosphere of a classic "Twilight Zone" or Chiller Theatre production. The protagonist is Bill Massen, who has not lost his sight because his eyes were patched due to a prior injury. Malcolm portrays Massen as a man who is continually facing events that make little sense. Malcolm's tone of steady perseverance contributes to the realism of the plot. J.E.M. (c) AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine