The Afghan Campaign

Noted scholar Steven Pressfield's novel re-creates Alexander the Great's invasion of Afghanistan in 330 B.C. Remarkably, the story could have been set in contemporary times with very minor factual changes. Reading historical fiction can be difficult, particularly when events were to have occurred two thousand years ago. Narrator John Lee overcomes this impediment with ease, reading at a steady pace in a tone that allows listeners to absorb the plot while immersing themselves in Pressfield's well-drawn characters. In particular, Lee brings out the emotional struggles that confront Matthias, the book's narrator, as he comes of age while attempting to cope with the military and ethical challenges he faces. D.J.S. (c) AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine


A Western army marches into Afghanistan, planning to conquer it in three months. Three years later, a deal is struck leading to an "honorable" withdrawal. Not a page of recent history, this is a haunting historical novel recounting Alexander the Great's ill-fated Afghan invasion. Told by a Greek foot-soldier, Pressfield's novel features a well-staged, crisp, and understandable story line and enough historical detail to fascinate without slowing down the relentless plot. British reader James Langton presents believable and varied voices for the key characters and brings forth the story with the discipline and timing of a well-trained army. Add in excellent sound quality, and the listening time with this book is well spent. T.F. (c) AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine