THE LEHMAN TRILOGY

It's hard to imagine a better narrator for Stefano Massini's novel in verse than Edoardo Ballerini. Ballerini delivers this massive fictional history with accurate accents, subtlety, and nuance. The German-Jewish immigrant experience is magnified through the lens of the Lehman brothers--Henry, Emanuel, and Mayer--and their descendants, whose rise from grocers to cotton traders to international banking circles shows them to be sometimes ruthless, often relentless, but always focused on the prize: social acceptance and financial freedom. A wonderful translation enhances Massini's outstanding use of language, particularly his incantatory rhythms and intentional repetition. All highlight the Lehmans' tenacity and determination to achieve success. Ballerini's dazzling performance of Massini's stunning lyrical descriptions and poetic ambience results in an exceptional listening experience. S.J.H. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2020]