DE NIRO A Life

Levy's unauthorized, but not salacious, loosely chronological biography of entertainer Robert De Niro is overstuffed with detail. While articulately written, the overall impact of the work is bland. Mark Deakins's narration is workmanlike and sincere, if not especially moving. His style and tone attempt to give perspective to the myriad details, but that appears to be an impossible task. If listeners commandeer great patience, there's much information addressing the famously secretive actor's onscreen and off-screen lives. The listening experience is recommended to De Niro enthusiasts and those who aspire to the acting profession. W.A.G. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2014]