A Dozen Red Roses

Jenny Agutter’s narration of *A Dozen Red Roses* is a masterclass in making the ridiculous feel regal. She doesn’t just read the words—she *inhabits* them, giving the Owl a pompous swagger and the Pussycat a world-weary exasperation that makes their misadventures feel like a Victorian-era sitcom. The pacing is impeccable, with Agutter’s delivery mirroring Lear’s own playful meter, which gives the poem a musicality that’s almost impossible to resist. I found myself grinning uncontrollably by the third line, and by the end, I was cackling outright at the sheer audacity of the premise. That said, the production isn’t without quirks. The audio is stripped down to the absolute essentials, which works in its favor—no unnecessary flourishes to distract from the wit—but listeners expecting lush soundscapes might find it too barebones. My only real critique? The tale is so short that you’re left wanting *just a little more*, though that’s less a flaw and more a testament to how much Lear packs into every syllable. What makes this audiobook truly special is how Agutter makes the poem feel alive. She doesn’t treat the Owl and the Pussycat as mere caricatures; instead, she imbues them with personalities that feel almost tangible. The way she stretches out certain words—like *roses*—for comedic effect is *chef’s kiss*. And if you’ve ever wondered what it would sound like to hear a 19th-century nonsense poet given the Hollywood treatment, this is your answer. It’s a five-minute burst of joy that will leave you hungry for more Lear, and that’s no small feat. If you love poetry that doesn’t take itself too seriously—or if you’re just in the mood for something that’ll make you smile in under ten minutes—this is the audiobook for you.