AMERICA'S FIRST DAUGHTER

As is her exquisite habit, Cassandra Campbell immerses herself in her narration of this audiobook, re-creating the voice of Thomas Jefferson's daughter, Patsy, with pathos and verve. Campbell's use of a genteel Virginia accent suits the drama of this historical novel, but the overall experience can, at times, verge on the extreme. While the novel seems meticulously researched, and Campbell's pacing and performance are superb, the audiobook becomes bogged down in minutiae and melodrama. There are many moments when the listener becomes disengaged by clichéd characters engaged in predictable dialogue and stilted romance, taking Campbell's accents along with them. Those interested in learning more about the time period in an accessible way may enjoy this audiobook the most. L.B.F. 2017 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2017]