NICKEL MOUNTAIN

Nickel Mountain is a quiet account of moral heroism in the face of the world's blatant meaninglessness. Middle-aged Henry Soames, owner of an all-night diner, has a heart condition, which he unintentionally relieves by taking in and marrying a pregnant 16-year-old named Callie Wells. An ordinary working-class man, Henry continues to do acts of charity for friends and acquaintances even though these acts are often wasted and unappreciated. Though life is so hard as to be absurd, Henry puts his faith in human goodness. This is one of Books on Tape's earliest recordings (1976) and is marred by the tinny sound and grating voice of the unexpressive narrator, Dan Lazar. We can hope they will reissue it someday, using high-fidelity recording equipment and a better performer. P.W. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB 96]