JOSEPH P. KENNEDY PRESENTS His Hollywood Years

Pam Ward has a lot to carry as narrator of this detailed biography. Overall, she does well at keeping the listener engaged with the life of Joseph P. Kennedy, father of the Kennedy dynasty, during his Hollywood career in the 1920s. However, her vocal projections when quoting different people within the book, especially Kennedy himself, are inconsistent and often confuse the listener. Nonetheless, her attention to the narrative and expository elements helps listeners get through Beauchamp's meticulous research. While the arrangement of information works, sometimes Beauchamp's litany of facts is difficult for listeners to process. Happily, Ward significantly helps with well-placed emphasis throughout these long stretches. L.E. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2009]