VALIANT AMBITION George Washington, Benedict Arnold, and the Fate of the American Revolution

This fascinating audiobook is further lifted by narrator Scott Brick's impressive performance. Author Nathaniel Philbrick manages to inject humanity into both George Washington and Benedict Arnold, going beyond their respective schoolbook roles of hero and traitor. Brick's dramatic style works well, especially when he is focused on Arnold, who was corrupt, greedy, and egotistical--he firmly believed that he was underappreciated and undercompensated by the Americans. As Arnold moved toward treachery, Washington--whom Philbrick portrays as a flawed general laboring under extreme pressures--maintained faith in him. Brick's theatrical narration distracts occasionally, but mostly suits. The times and the men, after all, combined for high drama. Brick's rendition captures it well. G.S.D. © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2016]