Helm

Helm, the only named wind in Great Britain, is a localized phenomenon in Cumbria in the Lake District of England. Its moods range from gentle to murderous. For centuries, people living in the area have interacted with Helm—attempting to worship, appease, coerce, attack, destroy, monitor, or understand. Nanay, a Neanderthal woman, has her tribe erect a stone monument to Helm. A medieval religious enthusiast tries to overcome Helm with piety and a cross. Scientists over several centuries concoct experiments to study and understand Helm. A glider pilot has an ecstatic, life-changing experience flying into Helm. Human activities that cause pollution and climate change finally begin to affect Helm, but it seems possible that humanity will destroy itself before it destroys Helm. Hall (Burntcoat) has spent 20 years creating this epic story, with each character representing a chapter in human evolution. Narrator Brealey gives each character life and personality through her performance. Her appealing voice, a variety of accents, and excellent timing make the interactions between nature and humans almost tangible.