A Texan

Good book; good narration

Reviewed: 12-09-22

Whether or not you're familiar with Grover Cleveland or his era, this is an excellent book. It puts the man and his legacy in context without surplusage. And, although Cleveland is long gone, the author shows us that a politician who remains steady in a course rather than sailing with the prevailing winds can have staying power in American political life. Cleveland's path, I learned, saw him lose the presidency, but regain it. His ascent, descent, and return were all really due to his fidelity to principle. Democrat, Republican, or Independent--all students of history will find this a worthwhile read with easy and digestible prose. I would be remiss if I did not also mention that the narrator did an excellent job, making the book even more enjoyable for those who listen in our cars or because our eyes fail us.

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Good book; abysmal narrator

Reviewed: 11-16-22

I am a big Helen Castor fan. She is an accomplished historian. And her writing is academic in style, but with a more readable prose than is commonly found in academic texts or articles. I enjoyed the organization here, and it fits with a thesis she has advanced elsewhere, namely, that the battle of Agincourt is the seminal event in that period of French and English history, and all other events should be considered with that context in mind. See "Agincourt or Azincourt? Victory, Defeat, and the War of 1415" (a lecture she gave in October 2015, which is available online).

I would encourage anyone to listen to her online lectures. And, frankly, I wish someone from Tantor Audio had listened. The ideal narrator for Helen Castor's excellent books is obviously Helen Castor. Her ability to engross is not limited to her books; her lectures should be required listening for new college professors. Instead, Tantor chose as narrator Anne Flosnik. In Ms. Flosnik, Tantor found a performer who should not be allowed to read aloud the daily lunch specials, let alone an entire book.

A brief look at Ms. Flosnik's resume reveals a handful of romance novels featuring ladies in various stages of undress. See "Why Dukes Say I Do." Although I might not have thought about such a narrator for a serious book about a female subject, I am open-minded. Flosnik's oeuvre might signal that she possesses a deep, sonorous voice, or that she has a capacity for expressing passion and variety. Alas, it is not so.

Flosnik is difficult to understand. On this subject, other reviewers have spoken. But I disagree with their assertions that the difficulty is merely an accent or minor speech impediment. Lucy Worsley has a similar rhotacism, yet she is an easily-understood and highly-sought-after television host. Flosnik does not enunciate, she does not vary the rhythm of her sentences, and she fails to alter her tone. No matter the content, unintelligible sentences rise and fall in the same place. The result is a grating, hard-to-decipher sing-song proceeding mercilessly for eight-and-a-half hours.

I listened to this book in its entirety--a statement which is as great a tribute as anyone hearing the narrator's voice could possibly offer the author. Because the narrator is simply the worst I have ever heard on any audiobook anywhere, I give it three stars. But I've bought the Folio Society special printing of the book itself. And I'll give it a wonderful review--it can be enjoyed silently.

To Tantor Audio: Find Dr. Castor someone new. Anyone. But, hopefully, make it Dr. Castor herself.

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