THE TRAGIC MUSE

Gareth Armstrong's confident narration adds welcome charisma to this literary classic. Henry James's extensive plot follows the careers of Nick Dormer, who must choose between painting and politics, and Miriam Rooth, who strives to be an actress as a means for income. Both characters' enigmatic passions perplex those family members and friends who so desperately want to guide their fates. Armstrong's vocal characterizations capture the conversational flow in James's dialogue. He subtly shifts between dissimilar characters such as the unconventional, jovial wanderer Gabriel Nash and Nick's serious, determined mother, Lady Agnes. Armstrong's composure suits James's formal, descriptive prose. His enthusiastic candor and attention to characterization offer a particularly memorable performance of this audiobook. D.M.W. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2020]