BABBITT

BABBITT is generally regarded as one of the twentieth century's greatest novels, yet it is also considered by many to be "inaccessible." With that knowledge in hand, Wolfram Kandinsky manages to give life to Nobel Prize winner Lewis's story about George F. Babbitt, a successful businessman who is a failure as a parent, a husband, and a lover. Kandinsky's reading is generally well done, although at times his relaxed pace allows the story to drag, making it easier for the reader to lose focus. Most of the time, however, Kandinsky hits his target with remarkable power and demonstrates why the name BABBITT has become an entry in the American vernacular. D.J.S. © AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 02]