THE DEEP DARK

A 1972 fire in the Sunshine Mine in Kellog, Idaho, killed 91 miners, leaving only two survivors. Personal biographies of the men and their families punctuate the narrative of the mine's history and its worst disaster. L.J. Ganser's stern voice and forceful presentation create an aura of tension as the smoke thickens and poisonous fumes fill the air. While he doesn't individualize voices, his emotional inflections suit the situations, especially in dialogue. Ganser's interpretation of the aftermath of the accident and the condition of the decomposed bodies is strong and graphic. The attitude toward disaster at Sunshine was similar to that of the TITANIC: It couldn't happen, so they weren't prepared. J.A.H. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/NOV 05]