NEPTUNE'S INFERNO The U.S. Navy at Guadalcanal

The author focuses specifically on the key naval battle of early WWII, giving us a sense of its importance and recounting the military decisions that ultimately decided its outcome. The book’s topic is narrow, but this tale of heroism, luck, and tragedy vividly reminds us of the horrors of war. Narrator Robertson Dean makes the story as interesting as a mystery even though we know the outcome. His voice is assured and authoritative, and his deep, rich baritone conveys the urgency of the mission without becoming frenetic or hurried. As is his style, Dean stays away from overt character voices but provides enough subtle differentiation that we know when someone is speaking. Further, his diction and pacing propel the action forward. R.I.G. © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2011]