GONE FOR SOLDIERS

Jeff Shaara's historical novel about the Mexican War focuses on the exploits and thoughts of General Winfield Scott, the U.S. commander; Captain Robert E. Lee, the young officer Scott decided to groom for high command; and General Santa Anna, the flamboyant Mexican commander. The book is written in episodes and contains description of action, dialogues and interior monologues. This construction made abridging the novel easier, and the story flows along without interruption or large jumps. Reader George Hearn, who earlier recorded Shaara's father's book, THE KILLER ANGELS, about the battle of Gettysburg, does an effective job presenting the narrative and distinguishing the major and minor figures. He effects a slight accent for each, but he's restrained. It would be easy to make Scott or Santa Anna into a cartoon, but Hearn gives each a realistic and understandable voice. R.C.G. © AudioFile 2000, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/SEPT 00]