THE FLAMBOYANT

When Lenora Demarest meets dashing aviator George Hansen at the turn of the century, she decides she wants to fly. Anna Fields reads the account of this young aviatrix as she travels between her lives in New York and Puerto Rico, spanning almost twenty years. The story itself is beautifully written, with lush prose describing the flora and fauna of Lenora’s surroundings. Oddly, though, for such an interesting life and engaging tale, Carlson tells the story largely without drama or passion, leaving Anna Fields little with which to demonstrate her range. Despite this, Fields does an impressive job, struggling only with her portrayals of the American men, who often sound nasally or stiff. Other than that, the book is worth a listen. H.L.S. © AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 03]