TRUMAN

The 33rd President of the United States saw his country through the end of WWII, the creation of the State of Israel, Civil Rights legislation, and numerous other momentous events. Nelson Runger presents McCullough's thorough biography of Truman, showing great proficiency for Truman's vocal characteristics. Runger's re-creation of Truman's voice captures all the flat, nasal Missouri straightforwardness heard on archival broadcasts. His portrayals of Winston Churchill, Joseph Stalin, Thomas Dewey, and others echo their vocal characteristics, as well. In the longer narrative passages, Runger succumbs to a rhythmic, soporific pace. Fortunately, these paragraphs lead to dialogue before too long. R.P.L. (c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 04]