The Washington Square Ensemble (Unabridged)
-
-
5.0 • 1 Rating
-
-
- $13.99
-
- $13.99
Publisher Description
Madison Smartt Bell’s debut novel: a story of drifters, outcasts, junkies, and dealers surviving in the heart of 1980s New York City
Over one busy weekend, small-time heroin dealer Johnny B. Goode and his alliance of fellow pushers work their trade amidst students, businessmen, and assorted sewer rats while avoiding the law. Narrated from the separate perspectives of each member of the gang, The Washington Square Ensemble follows the twisted paths that have led the seven men through the gritty New York underworld and toward a fragile alliance at Washington Square.
With humor, compassion, and an uncanny ear for voices of the streets, Madison Smartt Bell delivers a stunning indictment and occasional celebration of a blighted New York landscape.
Customer Reviews
Great audiobook!
I don't often take the route of audiobooks, but I'm glad I chose to listen to this one rather than read it. The story is told from several different perspectives and the narrator, John Concado, does an excellent job of bringing the characters to life. The story jumps between first person experiences from five different characters and each of these has their own distinct voice. The minute you hear the narration, you know which story line is being followed. He does a great job of lifting the personalities off the page through emotional and realistic interpretations of what these men are going through and how they might sound based on their backgrounds, culture, etc. I can't imagine listening to this story without that element, as it would likely get very confusing, very quickly. The story would easily lend itself to film and I wouldn't be surprised if it was made into a movie. This was a great choice for Madison Bell's edgy and authentic novel. If you are a New Yorker or fan of New York-based story lines, listen to this novel. If all audiobooks were like this, I might listen more often!