America America by Ethan Canin

An Audiobook Review

This is a superbly written story; read
so convincingly by Robertson Dean, that
I felt I was actually hearing the voice
of the main character as he describes
his life events, thoughts and feelings.
Canin's writing is philosophical in nature,
with the main characters pondering many
of the common and not-so-common
experiences in their everyday lives.

The story begins in the 1940s in a
working-class town.  It then follows two particular families.
The first is hard-working and smart, although financially
very modest.  The second, in contrast, is extremely wealthy
and philanthropic heirs to the town's founder. The tale focuses
on the son of the first family, and how his character develops
through involvement with the wealthy and politically savvy
second family; always with the backdrop of his parents
externally simple, but always thought-provoking lives.

The story line is interesting, building up to a climax during
the Vietnam years.  But as good as the plot is, it is the
narrative of a man's life and the forming of his character
that continually held my interest.  The main and secondary
characters are all unique and note-worthy; contrasting and
complimenting one another in such a way as to create a
compelling story. Extremely well-written; a very-good read.

~Submitted by Elaine