THE GREAT BELIEVERS

This audiobook delves into the lives and minds of its characters with care. Two stories run parallel throughout the novel, one unfolding during the early days of the AIDS epidemic in Chicago and the other taking place in a more contemporary time in Paris. The earnestness of Michael Crouch's performance suits the tone of both narratives well. Crouch is expressive and empathetic, breathing life into the many characters without ever overacting or exaggerating accents. His timing is superb, rarely rushing or slowing the pace even when the novel takes circuitous routes. The audiobook does give one pause when it comes to following the transitions between time periods, especially early on. The patient listener is rewarded with a well-written and thoughtfully performed experience. L.B.F. © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2018]