THE RED BADGE OF COURAGE

Stephen Crane’s novella tells the story of a nineteenth-century youth who casts off his romantic notions as he experiences the Civil War. The impressionistic style of the text, vivid details, and attention to local accents are notable in Crane’s style. Scott Brick’s narration maintains the tempo of the text perfectly. With a slow pace and purposeful tone, he meanders through Crane’s descriptions and picks up speed in the battle scenes. In a book that fluctuates between inner personal struggle and external events, Brick’s measured delivery maintains a sense of clarity. He also captures the rugged infantrymen by emphasizing their country drawls and local slang. Brick’s reading ably contrasts the beauty of Crane’s descriptive language with the coarse depictions of wartime soldiers. D.M.W. © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2011]