THE TEXAS STORIES OF NELSON ALGREN

Although Nelson Algren won the first National Book Award, his name is unknown to many readers. Fortunately, the author's short stories are now available in audio. Read with verve by Henry Strozier, Algren's stories cover a wide range of subjects, including immigrants, politicians, and a cast of angels and demons. Strozier reads the Algren gems with a soft Texas drawl, modifying his style and pace for each story, thus adding dramatically to the quality and character of his performance. Each story is excellent, but Strozier gives his best performances reading "So Help Me," a tale of bigotry, and "After the Buffalo: Bonnie and Clyde," Algren's version of the duo's exploits. D.J.S. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/ MAY 07]