BRAZZAVILLE BEACH

A moderately successful but excellently read novel, BRAZZAVILLE BEACH tells the two stories of Hope Dunbar Clearwater. The more compelling recalls her ecological studies of African chimpanzees and her discovery that she works for a megalomaniacal scientist. Less interesting is the story of her marriage to a mentally ill mathematician. The two tales never intersect satisfactorily. The narration, how-ever, is outstanding, truly star quality throughout. Donada Peters adroitly varies dialects, dramatics, volume, pitch, with stunning and consistent expertise. She is a joy to listen to, turning this C-plus novel into an A-minus audiobook. T.H. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/JUL 99]