Audiobooks roundup
“Munich” by Robert Harris, narrated by David Rintoul, Random House Audio, 9:38
Actor David Rintoul, the narrator of Robert Harris’ thriller “Munich,” summons a grumbling chorus of voices as the diplomatic maneuvers to prevent World War II unfurl. Not only must Rintoul manage the dry-leaves delivery of British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain and the beer-hall harshness of Adolf Hitler, he has all the politicians and civil servants at the hearts of the British and German governments to enliven. Rintoul keeps a taut rein on the growing tension as a pair of young men — one German, one English — try to change the course of history.
The story of Chamberlain’s effort to forestall war is so well-worn, it’s lost its edges for many, but Harris’ story snaps the prime minister’s motivations into place. Chamberlain is a wily negotiator, working hard to outflank Hitler. But the prime minister disregarded Hitler’s essence; Paul von Hartmann, temporarily assigned to Hitler’s staff, has information he hopes will change Chamberlain’s course. His only hope of passing it along is a former Oxford friend, Hugh Legat, a lowranking member of Chamberlain’s staff. Harris, who wrote “Fatherland” and the Cicero Trilogy, is a master of layering detail for tightly plotted, immersive fiction. His two young schemers are positioned to provide an intimate view of the political and defense calculations on both sides of the channel. “Anatomy of a Scandal” by Sarah Vaughan, narrated by Julie Teal, Luke Thompson, Esther Wane, Sarah Feathers, Simon & Schuster Audio, 10:55
It’s inevitable that any new, slightly intriguing thriller marked by an unreliable female narrator is proclaimed the next “Gone Girl.” Yet none has had the storytelling or writing chops of the Gillian Flynn original. Calling a book the next “Gone Girl” has become a formula for reader disappointment, so I’m not going to call “Anatomy of a Scandal” by Sarah Vaughan the next “Gone Girl.” I’ll just say it’s the best thriller I’ve encountered since, with crisp writing, original characters and sharp twists for fun.
A quartet of audiobook narrators are a seamless complement to Vaughan’s intricate storytelling. Julie Teal gives crystalline voice to the formidable barrister Kate Woodcroft, who specializes in prosecuting cases of sexual abuse. A career-making case has fallen into her lap: James Whitehouse, confidant to the prime minister, has been accused of rape. Narrator Luke Thompson handily communicates James’ easy upper-class entitlement. It’s no spoiler to say that no character is quite what she or he seems, and listeners learn early that Kate wasn’t born destined to her privileged place in the world. She’s entirely her own creation and is so concerned that no one see past her artifice that even her shoes — black patent leather with gold braid — must declare she’s a winner. “This Could Hurt” by Jillian Medoff, narrated by Andrea Gallo, Nick Podehl, Saskia Maarleveld, Sean Crisden, George Newbern, Madeleine Maby, HarperAudio, 12:52
When a book has a single narrator, crediting the performer is simple. But on “This Could Hurt,” the surprisingly sweet story of a corporate human resources department, neglecting to attach actors’ names to roles feels small and unfair. Yet publishers rarely tell us who’s who. Five people handle the voice duties in this novel by Jillian Medoff, who, when she’s not writing novels, does something that sounds a lot like HR. That may explain why the main character, Rosalita Guerrero, chief of human resources, just bubbles with life. The warm portrayal of Rosa reinforced this character’s charm.
I looked in vain at published audiobook information to learn who provided this wonderful performance. Upon request, HarperAudio provided a cast list, but it would be a service to listeners to provide it publicly. I had thought perhaps the credits were listed in order of appearance; that turned out not to be the case.
Good voice actors can add remarkable color, depth and solidity to an author’s invention. It would be nice if we knew whom to thank when they do it well.
Jenni Laidman is a freelancer who reviews audiobooks for the Tribune.