THE JAZZ PALACE

Morris's novel intends to tell the story of two Jewish families who persevere after suffering the terrible losses of young sons. Set in Chicago from 1915 through the Roaring '20s, it weaves a lifeless fictional story into a vibrant historical period. Michael Early's narration is rather flat, a monotone that brings no emotion or weight to the characters' lives. The transitions between the history and the fiction are abrupt, making the story seem more like a patchwork than a tightly woven tapestry. Overall, the audiobook fails to bring this vibrant era to life. Some background jazz might have helped to set the scene, carry the transitions, and enliven the atmosphere. N.E.M. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2015]