PHINEAS FINN

Fans of Anthony Trollope (there are such people) are getting more choice for their unabridged listening. David Case has performed the entire Palliser series for Books on Tape, emphasizing the sardonic, ironic qualities of the texts, and Timothy West has turned in lower-keyed, autumnal readings for Cover-to-Cover. Robert Whitfield's brighter, more innocent and eager-sounding reading of this second Palliser novel makes an effective contrast to these others. Whitfield also finds a rewarding, energetic pace for this 1869 tale of the political, moral, and romantic ups and downs of an Irishman in the British Parliament. The polished excitement that animates Whitfield's reading comes across richly and compels the listener's attention. G.H. © AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 02]