If this 1959 novel, one of Saul Bellow’s most beloved, seems to have exceeded its shelf life, it helps to remember that much of the absurdity is intentional: Many believe the title character is a send-up of Hemingway. Joe Barrett is an excellent choice as the narrator of this tale about a rich American who journeys into remotest Africa. His gruff voice is well suited to Henderson, a physically large and garrulous man with a penchant for bombastic dialogue and philosophical ramblings. The voices Barrett gives to the African characters—notably the western-educated King Dahfu—are hardly authentic, but they’re not grating, and some of the discordance can be laid at the feet of Bellow. D.B. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2009]
Trade Ed. • Brilliance Audio • 2009
CD ISBN 978-1-4233-9349-8 $29.99 • Twelve CDs
MP3-CD ISBN 978-1-4233-9351-1 $24.99 • One MP3-CDs
DD ISBN multiple sources
Library Ed. • Brilliance Audio • 2009
CD ISBN 978-1-4233-9350-4 $99.97 • Twelve CDs
MP3-CD ISBN 978-1-4233-9352-8 $39.97 • One MP3-CDs
DD ISBN multiple sources
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