Love & War

February 24, 2014
After two decades of marriage, the husband and wife duo from opposite sides of the aisle offers up a new memoir detailing their political and personal lives. This audio production presents Matalin and Carville as their fans have come to know them, with contrasting styles to go along with conflicting ideologies. Matalin’s delivery and Midwestern accent pairs well with a sometimes spirited but generally easygoing conversational tone, while Carville embodies his “Ragin’ Cajun,” type-a personality with all of its passion and color. The narrators respective contributions to the chapters flow together smoothly, accentuating distinct takes on the same events. The detailed, hour-by-hour account of the September 11 terrorist attacks is especially moving and transcends public policy squabbles. A Blue Rider Press hardcover.

Darlings of political campaign consultancy, with polar opposite party affiliations and political sensibilities, the Carvilles just happen to be happily married, proud parents and creators, as well as narrators, of another co-memoir. Their personal and political crazy quilt is sewn with their distinct and provocative viewpoints, with their beloved New Orleans as an additional major player. The timeline is from the 1992 presidential campaign to the quite recent history of their CNN departure. Sadly, Carville rushes his portions of the narration, which lack any noticeable emotion or sincerity behind the words except when he grows angry, and then it seems like the reserved anger employed in CNN and Fox News segments. Matalin's voicing sounds sincere but is understated and monotonous, as if all in one key. While the dual points of view are initially an interesting approach to discussing both worldly and family events, the novelty grows thin. W.A.G. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine