Magnificent Obsession

Lloyd C. Douglas novels, many of which are also classic movies, are weft in the fabric of American culture. In Magnificent Obsession, playboy Bobby Merrick becomes a physician after causing the death of renowned brain surgeon Wayne Hudson. Hudson's death redefines Merrick's personal life even more than his professional life. Fine points in the novel, particularly medical details, are dated. Obsolescence presents a double bind for reader Durbin. Soothing and therapeutic, Durbin's interpretation conveys the story's compassion. His voice, however, lacks the passion needed to pace the story for audio. Consider Magnificent Obsession a mixed blessing. D.K. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine