Phineas Finn

Fans of Anthony Trollope (there are such people) are getting more choice for their unabridged listening. David Case has performed the entire Palliser series for Books on Tape, emphasizing the sardonic, ironic qualities of the texts, and Timothy West has turned in lower-keyed, autumnal readings for Cover-to-Cover. Robert Whitfield's brighter, more innocent and eager-sounding reading of this second Palliser novel makes an effective contrast to these others. Whitfield also finds a rewarding, energetic pace for this 1869 tale of the political, moral, and romantic ups and downs of an Irishman in the British Parliament. The polished excitement that animates Whitfield's reading comes across richly and compels the listener's attention. G.H. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine


If David Shaw-Parker isn't the most subtly funny Duke of Omnium ever, let's give up. The Duke's self-important basso as he courts Madame Max seems to come out of his shoes, and it's an amazing surprise, because by the time Omnium really enters the story, Shaw-Parker has created so many varied characters and voices that you can't imagine he's still got a trick you haven't heard. PHINEAS FINN is a rich comedy of manners and politics. It is also every bit as much a marriage story as anything from Jane Austen, but with a young man from the provinces seeking advancement and security in a world where many women have more money and influence than he. This is a deliciously entertaining listen. B.G. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award, 2018 Audies Finalist � AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine