ELEANOR ROOSEVELT Volume II: 1933-1938

Reading returns for Volume 2 of this biography. Her narration plunges listeners into this short but critical period in the history of Eleanor Roosevelt and the New Deal as many of Eleanor's pet projects gather momentum (and critics) and America's isolationism grows in the face of pre-WWII events. Reading manages the many excerpts from personal and business correspondence with skill, offering a glimpse of the complexi and personalities of the wide range of people, relationships and subject matter dealt with. She draws out the nuances of substance and tone of mere acquaintances, as well as intimates. Reading holds a strong, but unrushed pace that keeps the listener engaged. Her expressive, controlled style avoids sensationalizing the more intense segments regarding Roosevelt's personal relationships. She guides the listener through the great wealth of detail without losing sight of the larger themes. J.E.M. Winner of AUDIOFILE Earphones Award. © AudioFile 2000, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/SEP 00]