LIFE OF THE PARTY

This unauthorized biography of Pamela Harriman, influential Washington socialite, presents an impressive life story in which politics and power play a central role. Kate Reading fittingly adopts the tone of a well-born, publicly educated Brit. She uses exaggerated accents in presenting extensive quoted comments. This is annoying in sections of the book that rely heavily upon such comments, many of which are from individuals who are not heard from a second time. However, in the sections of the book that deal with more current affairs, the exaggeration is very helpful as an aid in distinguishing the author's political and social commentary from the comments of various political figures. J.E.M. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/MAR 99]