The Darwin Myth

Benjamin Wiker sets forth an examination of Charles Darwin the man, as opposed to the public legend. This short production is more along the lines of a spirited and unreferenced essay than a scholarly treatise, and, therefore, works well as an audio experience. Perhaps sensing the essentially polemical nature of the work, Tom Weiner delivers a performance so neutral that it occasionally threatens to become monotonous. With no need to affect accents and distinct voices, the lines blend together more than they should, and Weiner's flat, cultured intonation does little to spice it up. Weiner's best readings are of personal letters, in which he allows a modicum of animation, but these moments are few. Overall, this book is so deliberately inflammatory that it's likely to turn off many listeners; furthermore, since it's nonfiction, there's little chance for Weiner to show his range. A.Z.W. (c) AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine