David Tennant's reading lifts an ordinary story (Whiteout (Audio CD))

Member Name: kateorman

Product:	Whiteout (Audio CD)
Date:	01/05/09 (25 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Terrific reading by David Tennant.

Disadvantages: Nothing very special about the writing.

I bought this CD to listen to on a long plane flight, and I didn't regret it, although I admit I'm not much of a fan of thrillers. To me, Follett's prose and plotting both seem very workmanlike; but perhaps that's appropriate when all you want is an brisk, exciting story, with motivations and events simply and clearly conveyed. I can say I was never bored, and that had a lot to do with David Tennant's reading - largely in his own accent, appropriately, given the story's Scottish setting. I particularly admired Tennant's ability to assume different voices as necessary, from deep, gruff men through teenagers to breathy young women ("Time for a wee shag?"); he gave the characters a believability I suspect they might lack in print. There were a few loose threads which never quite got tied up, too - but to be fair, some of these flaws could be the result of abridgement. I will give Follett marks for a strong female protagonist whose strength lies in her intelligence and professionalism, rather than in how fiesty and busty she is. She even gets the guy!

Summary: Modest but enjoyable thriller brought up by a smashing actor.