THE ROADS TO ROME A History of Imperial Expansion

Catherine Fletcher delivers her examination of ancient Roman roads, including their subsequent history and her current-day adventures discovering their traces. She narrates with energy, engagement, and amiability, and with the authenticity of recounting her own research and experiences. These characteristics help the listener move past her vocal quality, which is rather high-pitched and scratchy. More distractingly, however, she often emphasizes words or phrases, especially at the ends of sentences, without reference to sense. The narration hustles the listener along through jumps in history and geography. Still, while this road trip includes some rough going, it's educational, and one's traveling companion is sympathetic, qualities that rise above the problems. W.M. © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2025]