HAGGARD

If you can get past the author’s premise that rape and beating are acceptable methods of expressing frustration and performing domestic discipline, and that raped women love forever the men who rape them, you might be able to enjoy this formulaic historical romance. Clifford Norgate offers a fine performance, distinguishing clearly among the many and varied characters of the story. His Lord Byron is simperingly effete, and his black Caribbean slaves’ dialects are flawless. Nicole’s story begins in Barbados and ends in London, and Norgate’s performance keeps up with the changes effortlessly. Unbelievably, he manages to drag the ridiculous plot out of the mud and keep entertainment value high. R.P.L. © AudioFile 2000, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC/JAN 01]