HOTEL BABYLON

Supposedly a true first-person account of decadence and corruption, this suspiciously fiction-like narrative stuffs numerous depraved characters and sensational incidents into one busy day behind the scenes at a posh London hotel. As a bonus, one actually learns something about how the hospitality industry operates. Not surprisingly, the scramble for money is the common denominator. Gordon Griffin reads in character with a cockney accent. His portrayal of the anonymous rough-and-tumble author fascinates. He sounds like a cheeky desk clerk unwinding after-hours by regaling pub mates with his experiences over a couple of pints. His personality, energy, expressiveness, and humor are more than worth the room rate. Y.R. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/ SEP 06]