THE QUEST OF THE SILVER FLEECE

This novel by the preeminent sociologist was published in 1911. The "silver fleece" in question is cotton, the raising of which by two black lovers is at the heart of this story of economic exploitation and racial oppression. While the language and writing style are dated, the thought-provoking content is not. The problems with this audiobook lie not with the written word, but the spoken. The heart of the novel takes place in Alabama, yet Southern accents are completely absent. Racism and the struggle for recognition are usually emotionally charged themes, but Fernandez's lifeless performance never tugs at our emotions. Du Bois deserves better. P.R. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/ JUL 06]