SILENT SPRING

When it first came out 45 years ago, SILENT SPRING ignited a firestorm of concern about pesticide and herbicide use, and the chemicals' long-term effects on global ecology. Widely credited with ensuring the ban of DDT, the book's warning of consequences remains fresh today. Unfortunately, Kaiulani Lee treats her listeners with condescension. Her breathy, sibilant voice stops just short of a lisp. She ever so slowly and softly reads the text, as if to children. While the listener would expect the spoken production to refresh the still relevant work, instead it has the effect of minimizing its importance. Carson and her readers deserve more. R.L.L. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/ JUL 07]