THE BETTER ANGELS OF OUR NATURE

General William T. Sherman finds a waif, Jesse, outside camp just before the Battle of Shiloh. Jesse, who wants to learn about being a soldier, helps out in the hospital tent. Jesse's personal attention and gentle touch is "angel-like," providing comfort and understanding to the injured. Cassandra Campbell's soft, feminine voice is an unusual selection for such a setting. Yet the softness of her vocal range modulates the horrors of war depicted in this novel. Campbell works hard to convince the listener she is a suitable narrator. As the officers take Jesse under their wing, a surprise awaits. Angelic qualities or not, war is no place for this soft-spoken child. M.B.K. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/ SEP 07]