EISENHOWER IN WAR AND PEACE

Paul Hecht’s accomplished voice brings to life the story of our 34th president. Smith’s magisterial biography presents the strengths of a man who advanced from near poverty through the ranks of the U.S. Army and eventually became president of the United States. The author also explores Ike’s all-too-human weaknesses. The few times Hecht delivers additional character voices, he does so with aplomb. While his steady cadence is interrupted by an unnecessary number of long pauses, they only slightly detract from this fascinating story. Since the audiobook lacks the supplemental materials that are part of the printed version, listeners may find themselves lost on the battlefields of WWII. But that shouldn’t dissuade one from listening to this engaging life story. M.L.R. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2012]