IT CAN'T HAPPEN HERE

Christopher Hurt's voice—dry, slightly harsh, yet expressive—and his tone—sprightly and waspish—match the satirical mode of Lewis's 1936 novel of a fascist takeover of the U.S. and its aftermath. The sprightliness is troubling in descriptions of brutal violence and oppression, but Hurt faithfully mirrors the tone of the novel, a sometimes uncomfortable mix of clownish satire, hyperrealistic bourgeois fiction, and essayistic imaginary history, all a bit dated. He provides accents, varied voices, and even singing, as needed. He also supplies an emotional awareness that matches the power the novel accumulates. Despite its flaws, this book has much to say about political repression. It hits hard, and Hurt puts it across effectively. W.M. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/NOV 08]