CONFEDERATES IN THE ATTIC

Horwitz uses an immigrant ancestor's fascination with the Civil War as a springboard to explore why this greatest of American Olympiads still touches us with such deep fervor. Beck's reading of this abridgment is done with a unique and contagious enthusiasm. Much of the work is dialogue as people tell why they are so engrossed by the war. Beck is adept at expressing the speaker's character, bringing out the humor, and irony, that is in many of these situations. Southern accents are credible, although all of the Southern women tend to sound alike. All in all, a nice performance of a fascinating work. M.T.F. © AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/SEP 99]