THE DEAD FATHERS CLUB

Andrew Dennis is undeniably the star of THE DEAD FATHERS CLUB, a novel reminiscent of HAMLET. The 12-year-old is perfectly cast as Philip Noble, a boy who talks to his father's ghost and does not like what he hears. Dennis's voice is high-pitched and very British, sounding almost effeminate, but it quickly grows on the listener. Judicious editing could have limited the number of dialogue tags, which are sometimes annoying, but since the work is unabridged, the bad comes with the good. Dennis performs with a skill beyond his years. He makes the complicated story work. As in HAMLET, a murdered man begs his young son to avenge his death by killing his killer, the boy's uncle, before he marries the boy's mother. Dennis's delivery makes us accept the story of young Philip, who is confused, even angered, by his father's demand. This is a novel written for adults, but sophisticated YA readers may enjoy it. M.S. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/ MAY 07]