THE DETOUR

In the late 1930s, Ernst Vogler is working for Hitler's art-collecting department. His assignment is to go to Rome, pick up the marble statue THE DISCUS THROWER, and transport it across the border to German-held lands. All has been arranged, including Ernst's escort of two Italian policemen, who happen to be identical twins. Owing to language barriers and the brothers' personal agendas, the trip is anything but short and simple. Dan Butler narrates with reserved emotion. He limits his use of accents to the dialogue, cuing listeners in to the characters' nationalities. Butler's narrative choices complement listeners' own responses rather than guide them, allowing for a more personal audio experience. Vogler’s story is one of awakening—to self-acceptance, love, and the evil of the Third Reich. C.B.L. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2012]