ON THE ROAD: THE ORIGINAL SCROLL

When Jack Kerouac wrote ON THE ROAD, he typed the novel on a 120-foot scroll of paper as one long paragraph. This unedited version of the classic novel features a freer use of words, as well as the original names of Kerouac's friends for many of the characters. While this "version" of the novel may be of more interest to Kerouac devotees, this reading by John Ventimiglia (Artie Bucco in “The Sopranos”) is full of subtle expression and intonation. His cadence and raw tone, combined with his range of voices, help give the story a tone of realism. While his narration may be just a bit slow, it’s a fine reading of a seminal work. K.M. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2008]