THE LIFE OF HEROD THE GREAT

Narrator Blair Underwood uses his deep voice to solid advantage in this audiobook. The novel--narrowly saved from destruction after Hurston's death and released on what would have been her 134th birthday-- examines Herod, who reigned as Judean king during the first century BCE. Underwood's confident delivery and theatrical skill are at the forefront of this intense story, and he is especially effective in expositional moments when the prose becomes dense. Dialogue is less distinct, however, and one might occasionally lose track of which character is speaking. Robin Miles performs the preface and epilogue in a matter-of-fact tone that suits each section well. Some listeners will embrace this audiobook for its dramatic style, while others will find the audio format too much to absorb. L.B.F. © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine [Published: FEBRUARY 2025]