DIANA

Bradford details the life of the Princess of Wales fully, but briskly, and Kate Kellgren, in a very British accent ("more" sounding like "maw," etc.), keeps it moving. The writing ranges from undistinguished to awkward, but isn't, as in the case of some celeb bios, actually awful. Kellgren's reading, somewhat too good for the text, serves to dress it up. She modulates her voice with sensitivity, expressing sympathy or regret where appropriate, which is often, but keeps at a cool observer's distance from the sometimes tawdry details. She stays true to the text, which is understanding of Diana, but not overly censorious of Prince Charles or his paramour, Camilla. This sad story is here adequately written and well read. W.M. 2007 Audies Award Finalist © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/ MAY 07]