LADYSMITH

The 1899 Boer siege of the title town in South Africa is more than just background for this novel. It is a major player, with all its privation, noise, and gore. Various fictional characters--Boer, Brit, Irish, Zulu--interact with young officer Winston Churchill and stretcher-bearer Gandhi. Here is an opportunity for veteran actor Christian Rodska to display his facility with accents and his talent for vocal mimicry. The story is told from various points of view and provides plenty of poignant moments. Families are torn apart literally and figuratively; a soldier is forced to kill his cherished horse because everyone is starving. Not the least of Rodska's challenges is to make a long description of a cricket game interesting. Foden follows the survivors into the future, completing this satisfying and educational saga. J.B.G. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 02]