A GIFT OF VALOR

This is a gritty report on life on the ground in the Iraq war. John Bedford Lloyd's deep and serious voice communicates the observations of a calm observer. Lloyd's reading is not overly dramatic, but this is not a firsthand account, such as JARHEAD. Lloyd captures the intent of the author, a journalist embedded with Marines during the opening phase of the Iraqi conflict. While Lloyd's vocal characterizations are satisfactory but not memorable, his pace is excellent, and the work is engaging. The work describes daily life in Iraq, both the good and bad, in meticulous detail, following the activities of Jason Dunham, who leads his comrades and is injured in battle. M.L.C. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/ MAY 06]