BATTLE FLAG

Volume Three in the Starbuck Chronicles takes Confederate soldier and Boston native Nathaniel Starbuck up to and through the battle of Manassas. Starbuck must face not only the challenges of leading his ragtag army, but his inner conflicts between home and adopted soil. Ed Sala's gritty performance brings the war to life. His characters, even the Northerners, all bear some Southern accent, but are easily distinguishable. Sala's Colonel Swinyard, a falling-down drunk turned stand-up Christian, is excellent; the Colonel's inner struggles are illuminated with clarity and understanding. The story's slimy horse trader and sniveling slackers on both sides are also notable performances. Cornwell's text and Sala's narration are a perfect match. R.P.L. © AudioFile 2000, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC/JAN 01]