THE WINTER SOLDIERS

The formal tones of Terry Wale's dry British voice are suitable for this historical novel about the Crimean War in 1854-1855. Wale embodies Sergeant "Fancy Jack" Crossman with the crisp enunciation and elegance appropriate for the illegitimate son of a British lord. The unlikely collection of soldiers that comprise Crossman's sabotage unit is presented by Wale with both color and restraint. The characters of the ragtag platoon are well developed, but Wale is careful not to allow the personalities to overshadow the bloody and devastating events of this miserable war between Russia and Europe. The overall effect is a bit pedantic, but fitting for the material. N.M.C. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/SEP 05]