THE BLUE MAX

The surface of this brooding novel is the story of a young German air ace in WWI. Deeper layers address ambition, corruption, media manipulation, the causes of WWII, and alcoholism. Tom Parker’s reading, which seems a little flat at first, proves effortlessly engaging as the listener becomes absorbed in a story so well written that it needs little interpretive assistance. Parker is one of those readers who can become transparent, leaving no distinct impression of themselves, only the text. This is no small accomplishment, requiring as it does an execution free of any distracting flaws. J.N. Winner of AUDIOFILE Earphones Award ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 95]