HAVANA

At the outset of HAVANA, narrator William Dufris offers his almost-on-the-mark impersonation of Ricky Ricardo/ Desi Arnaz. Almost on the mark is also an apt description of just about everything else in Hunter's novel about Cuba in the 1950s. The story, featuring gunfights and gangsters, is enjoyable, although not quite believable. Similarly, Dufris's performance is almost on the mark. Some of his voices are perfect, including some of the characters with Spanish accents, while others come across as near caricatures. Yet, overall, the book, which features the exploits of ex-Marine Earl Swagger and a young Fidel Castro, provides entertaining fare, the kind of material that is ideal to listen to during a commute, at the gym, or on vacation. D.J.S. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 07/ JAN 08]