A Woman in Charge

Carl Bernstein burnishes his reputation as an investigative reporter with his timely biography of Hillary Clinton. This is no fluff piece. Using sources and materials that take us from her childhood to the present, Bernstein presents an open and objective look at the personal and public life of, arguably, the most prominent woman of our time. Robertson Dean's narration is an excellent example of the messenger not getting in the way of the message. Like Bernstein's writing, Dean's delivery is clear, evenly paced, and easy to follow as he guides the listener through an intimate and detailed look at this complex woman who would be president. M.O.B. (c) AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine

February 1, 2008
A Woman in Charge is an interesting choice of title for this work, but A Woman in Control would perhaps have been more appropriate, for Bernstein paints a picture of Hillary Clinton as someone who has been remarkably able to maintain her self-control throughout the trials and tribulations of her marriage, career, and life in the White House. In addition, we learn that she has often tried to control the actions of others. Bernstein spends considerable time examining the character of Bill Clinton as well as that of Hillary. He takes a no-holds-barred approach as he details the failure of health-care reform and the numerous scandals that rocked the nation during the Clinton years. At times, the former First Lady is pictured as her own worst enemy, while at others she is her own redeemer; a complex individual to say the least. In both a frank and candid look at Clinton's past, Bernstein ultimately leaves it to listeners to make up their own mind about just who Hillary Clinton is and whether or not she should become the first "woman in charge" of the nation. Robertson Dean's narration is well paced, engaging, and even-handed. Recommended for all public libraries.Valerie Piechocki, Prince George's Cty. Memorial Lib., Largo, MD

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