PILLARS OF THE EARTH

George Ralph's proficient, earnest and fast-paced narration emphasizes the momentum of this event-filled novel which centers around the building of a twelfth century English cathedral. The absorbed listener willingly overlooks occasional inconsistencies or lapses of logic--especially if he or she is negotiating traffic during a daily commute. Ralph uses minimal vocal characterization with changes in pitch and accent, but that becomes a strength in this production. A fully voiced interpretation of such a dramatically written piece easily could have slipped into parody. The audio production improves upon its print antecedent and is enthusiastically recommended. S.K. Winner of AUDIOFILE Earphones Award ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 92]