AUDIO

Beautiful Ruins

by Jess Walter
10 CDs. retail ed. unabridged. 13 hrs. Harper Audio. 2012. ISBN 9780062268365. $19.99; 11 CDs. library ed.; digital download. F
COPY ISBN
OrangeReviewStarAn elderly Italian man searches for the American actress he saw 50 years earlier during the filming of the movie Cleopatra. Walter (The Financial Lives of the Poets) portrays an incredibly complex chronicle of contemporary American life in a global world in this descriptive novel of love, hope, greed, careers, and life. Edoardo Ballerini's (2012 Audie Award, The Land of Laughs) ease with the Italian language and his ability to mimic the speech of Americans uncomfortable with the tongue add to the ambiance and credibility while also pulling listeners into the story. Ballerini's calm, quiet tone and realistic yet varied male and teen voices allow listeners to discriminate easily among characters.
VERDICT Highly recommended. ["The pop culture references and wistful tone will please Nick Hornby fans and build Walter's following. Not to be missed," read the review of the Harper hc, LJ 4/1/13.—Ed.]
Reviewed by Laurie Selwyn, formerly with Grayson Cty. Law Lib., Sherman, TX , May 15, 2013
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

MEDIA

A Year of Last Things: Poems
by Ondaatje, Michael
MEDIA

Greta & Valdin
by Reilly, Rebecca K
MEDIA

The Sisters of Belfast
by Maure, Melanie
MEDIA

The Blueprint
by Rashad, Rae Giana
MEDIA

This Spells Love
by Robb, Kate
MEDIA

Last Seen in Havana
by Dovalpage, Teresa
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?