NO ORDINARY TIME

Various members of the inner circle at the White House provide an intimate look at Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt beginning in the spring of 1940--at that point in their marriage leading quite separate lives but bound by family, the presidency, country and war. Edward Herrmann subtly captures the assured and patrician voice of Franklin. As Eleanor, Herrmann conveys her humility and self-doubt, as well as her conviction and graciousness. Perhaps because of the abridgment, the book’s subplot, “the home front during WWII,” plays second fiddle to the Roosevelts. Despite this shortfall, Herrmann’s reading sweeps us along in a riveting narrative. J.H.L. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB 96]