UNDERWORLD

DeLillo's massive and astounding novel presents an enormous challenge, covering five decades of modern history through a shifting array of diverse characters. While traipsing across the landscape of American culture, alighting on such matters as Frank Sinatra, baseball, and even waste disposal policy, his real theme is nothing less than the entire Cold War. It is difficult, tricky material, and expect no help from Prichard's narration. He takes a minimalist approach, putting as little style and interpretation as possible between DeLillo and the listener. It is a justifiable approach, but any listener should be forewarned: Listening to DeLillo's latest novel demands the utmost in concentration and determination. Only then will its rewards reveal themselves. M.O. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 99]