SOLOMON'S CROWN

Ben Allen and Steve West perform a lovely dual narration of this atmospheric historical romance about young King Philip of France and Richard of Aquitaine, who is in line to become king of England. Amid squabbles between England and France about territory, Philip and Richard form an intense bond. Hot-blooded Richard growls in West's deep, resonant voice, while Allen's lighter tones reflect Philip's intelligence and reserve. Both narrators draw out their palpable longing and the tension of their stolen moments together--in Philip's study, in the woods after a boar hunt, even on the battlefield. Eleanor of Aquitaine, Richard's mother, and Isabella, Philip's wife, are fully drawn and given compelling characterizations. Is devotion enough to sustain a seemingly doomed romance? Listeners will be rapt. J.M.D. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2023]