A SUMMER OF DELIVERANCE

Most people recognize James Dickey for having written DELIVERANCE, the book on which the movie was based. They don't recognize him for his other works of fiction and poetry, or for being the father of noted journalist Christopher Dickey. Alexander Adams offers a no-nonsense reading of the younger Dickey's memoirs of growing up with an alcoholic celebrity, and their reconciliation in later life. While his elocution is impeccable, his academic lecturing conveys none of the obvious emotionality of the text. Adams's delivery lacks depth and life. The chapters devoted to the making of Dickey's movie are riveting in their accounts of behind-the-scenes personalities and incidents. As for the rest, however, it isn't worth taking notes. R.P.L. © AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/MAR 00]