White Noise

January 1, 1986
Chairman of the department of Hitler studies at a Midwestern college, Jack Gladney is accidently exposed to a cloud of noxious chemicals, part of a world of the future that is doomed because of misused technology, artifical products and foods, and overpopulation. PW appreciated DeLillo's "bleak, ironic'' vision, calling it ``not so much a tragic view of history as a macabre one.'' January

It's very difficult listening to Michael Prichard narrate the first two tapes of this wicked satire. His voice is a tinny mess that holds no emotional weight; he seems to fight DeLillo's words every step of the way. But then a remarkable metamorphosis takes place around Tape 3. Prichard adjusts his voice, smoothes his timbre, and realizes that the author has written a really great story. He still reads with a monotone, but his inflections hit the words just right, and a subtle, snide tone enters his realm. Another book saved! The moral of the story is to stick with this book, and Prichard, through the rough spots. You will be rewarded with the never-wavering magic of DeLillo, and some good laughs. R.I.G. (c) AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine