ABUNDANCE A Novel of Marie Antoinette

Contrary to the title's implications, this is a rather ordinary novel. Instead of an abundance of intrigue or passion, this audiobook remains flat and superficial. Susanna Burney's narration is adequate, but pauses between sentences are frequently long to the point of awkwardness. Her pacing, too, is slow--but the novel itself seems so, creaking along like a carriage on a rocky road. Burney enlivens some of the characters with subtle voice shifts, but overall the result is a plodding story with few peaks and valleys. Devotees of Marie Antoinette and her life may find the plot appealing but should be aware that flaws that may go unnoticed on the page seem glaring when heard aloud. L.B.F. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/ MAY 07]