THE KNOCKOUT ARTIST

Crews's novel, published in 1988, is finally on audio, and it's worth the wait. Matt Godfrey's masterful storytelling brings it to life. Part of "Southern grit lit," the story focuses on Eugene Talmadge Biggs, a prizefighter who discovers that his most lucrative skill is his ability to knock himself unconscious. Biggs capitalizes on the public's thirst to see this talent, attracting figures from the gritty New Orleans underworld. The most nuanced is Charity, a wealthy Texan who sees Biggs as a "research project," unearthing traits he had not imagined. Godfrey's nuanced performance gives Biggs an aura of sweetness as Charity's eventual betrayal leads to unforeseen consequences. Godfrey shines in the final scene in which Biggs faces tough decisions that will leave a lasting impression on the listener. D.J.S. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2024]