OVER THE EDGE The True Story of Four American Climbers' Kidnap and Escape in the Mountains of Central Asia

In yet another true tale designed to take advantage of the enormous popularity of INTO THIN AIR, EDGE tells of four young American rock climbers captured by rebel forces in Kyrgyzstan. After several harrowing days as prisoners, they push their lone guard off a mountain ledge and escape. All the ingredients for a can't-turn-it-off listening experience should be here but, strangely, aren't. Much of the text is an explication of Central Asian history and politics, and this is where Armand Schultz's reportorial tone and right-on pronunciation of tongue-twisting Russian names and places is effective. But his flat tone doesn't work for a story of captivity and escape, which should be more exciting than this. Text (the escape happens halfway through) and reading are equally at fault here. J.B.G. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 02/ JAN 03]