WHEN LIONS ROAR The Churchills and the Kennedys

The main interests of this history of two political families are served by narrator Malcolm Hillgartner's giving each major player his own voice. In the case of the easily recognizable--Winston Churchill, FDR, JFK, and RFK--he provides rough but serviceable imitations that enliven the reading and aid listener comprehension. He lends excitement to the material without overdoing it and maintains his vigor as the book devolves through repetition, spotty writing, and lack of depth to the principals' sad ends. Still, his persistent energy helps keep the listener focused, and his strong voice and serious manner make the book's main material--gossip--seem more substantial. Overall, Hillgartner's narration renders this work more enjoyable than it might otherwise be. W.M. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2015]