COLORS OF WAR

[Editor's note: The following is a combined review with FROM THE ASHES.]--In FROM THE ASHES, Davey comes to the realization that being brave is doing the things one has to do. In Ohio of the 1790s, during a time of Shawnee unrest, there is much that Davey has to do, from burying his parents to searching for a missing brother to grappling with opposing American and Native American points of view. In COLORS OF WAR, Beckman continues the story of David Joyce and his brother, Michael. Michael learns the ways of Native Americans while living with Chief Tecumseh and his sister. Beckman packs much historical information into her novels. The listener learns a lot but at the expense of a sustained and effective story line. While Pamela Fernie's narration is smooth and clear, the flow of her narration sets a pace that leaves little time for the impact of specific events or for reflection by the listener. At times, her tone is condescending. Sound effects used occasionally in the background add nothing to the narration and probably reinforce stereotypes of war and of Native Americans. A.R. © AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 01]