SIR HARRY HOTSPUR

The story of a caring father, a young and impressionable daughter, and an unscrupulous suitor, Anthony Trollope's 1870 novel develops a premise similar to that of Henry James's WASHINGTON SQUARE (1880). Both books are also among the shorter novels of their authors, and both veer close to tragedy. Peter Joyce's satisfying reading has precision, clarity, and dignity. The sound quality of the production, however, is an impediment. Since Joyce himself is the producer, it's especially surprising that an echo and hiss are allowed to distract from the strengths of his reading. G.H. (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/SEP 03]