THE RISE OF SILAS LAPHAM

In his own day, writer/critic Howells was considered the dean of American letters. SILAS LAPHAM (1885) illustrates why. It's a witty and perceptive satire of society and business. However, you wouldn't know it from Jonathan Reese's dry, awkward rendition. He merely reads the words documentary style, pronouncing articles with a long "a" and giving no attention to such trifles as tone, character, and meaning. Y.R. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 02]