THE COLD MILLIONS

Narrator Edoardo Ballerini anchors the full-cast performance of a story that takes place in Spokane, Washington, in the early twentieth century. The audiobook centers on two brothers who arrive in town seeking seasonal work. Events take a turn when they get caught up in the free speech movement and union organizing. Other narrators deliver first-person vignettes that provide the backgrounds and ultimate fates of key characters. Spot-on portrayals include a female activist, narrated by Marin Ireland; a dodgy detective, narrated by Mike Ortego; and the police chief, narrated by Tim Reynolds. Ballerini's near-perfect delivery conveys both a polarized sociopolitical atmosphere fueled by a wealth gap and deep personal connections forged by common experience. The outstanding production captures the heart of this affecting snapshot of life during the Progressive Era. C.B.L. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2020]