THE PERFORMER Art, Life, Politics

In this rich audiobook about all kinds of performance, narrator Paul Boehmer's slow pacing and palpable understanding of the material fit the author's broad thinking. Boehmer sounds perfectly compatible with Sennett's stature and advanced age (81). Sennett's writing is always broad and moving and, in this case, has particular relevance to the political performances that captivate so many people today. Boehmer's clear enunciation and nuanced phrasing make the sociologist's often stunning insights even more meaningful. With his detailed grasp of history, Sennett shows how clothing, posture, and body gestures can make other people see what we want them to see, even putting them into a near trance. Sennett's compelling perspectives and Boehmer's performance make this a must-hear antidote for this age of alternative facts and malignant showmanship. T.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2024]