TRAIL OF TEARS The Rise and Fall of the Cherokee Nation

The narrator's voice, deep and sandpaper-like, establishes an empathy with the fictional and non-fictional characters in this historical novel about the Cherokee Nation. Although there is no attempt made at characterization, McDonough creates a feeling for the personalities with his mood, tones, and cadence. His somber and respectful rendition of the poetic passages beautifully magnifies the author's intended effect far beyond the ability of a printed page. Since the novel's story is so secondary to the history presented, and since the sad and embarrassing truth is so important, the frivolity and license a gifted and experienced actor such as this narrator might have taken are judiciously avoided with laudable effect. J.A.H. © AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/ SEP 01]