THE GOLDEN AGE

Real-life figures such as Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt--and Gore Vidal himself--mingle with fictional Hollywood and Washington notables in Vidal's novel of the nation's entry into WWII and the start of the Cold War. The novel is abridged well, preserving the flavor of Vidal's prose and the sweep of his story. As a narrator, Kathryn Walker provides the right notes of attitude or emotion with her voice as she ably interprets Vidal's writing. For example, she turns the opening description of a Washington party into a gem. However, her character voices are not unique enough, making the novel monotonous and difficult to follow in some spots. J.A.S. © AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/MAR 01]