A DANGEROUS FRIEND

It's rare to find the dual talents of exceptional writing and performing, but both are present here. The plot and execution are intriguing, to say the least. Political scientist Sydney Parade abandons the life he knows to take part in a foreign-aid organization in Saigon only to discover how intricately twisted the conflict truly is. Ward Just, a world traveler himself, presents the cultural clashes believably and with intoxicating energy. The quality of his speaking voice, too, lends the audiobook a sense of whispered intrigue that engages listeners from the very first paragraph. R.A.P. © AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC/JAN 00]