THE ROAD SOUTH

Stewart's childhood was horrific by any measure. He witnessed the murder of his mother by his no-account father and went on to be mistreated by a variety of relatives. An eager learner, he was denied a college education but managed to become a radio personality and business-owner in Birmingham, where he made the acquaintance of Martin Luther King, Jr., Otis Redding, and George Wallace. Though he is a professional success, personal happiness has eluded him. He is haunted and inspired by the memory of his long-dead mother. Dion Graham is quite believable as the young Stewart, who is determined, stoic, and often depressed. His delivery has a rhythm that is at once appealing and sleep-inducing. The writing is full of flowery figures of speech of which Graham takes full advantage. This is a lesson in history, culture, and courage. J.B.G. (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/SEP 03]