As the Crow Flies

From learning the art of selling at a fruit and vegetable cart ("barrow") operated by his grandfather in the slums of Whitechapel to a peerage, a residence in exclusive Chelsea Terrace, and the founding of the first huge department store in Britain ("the world's largest barrow") through personal triumph and heartache, Charlie Trumper the Honest Trader, later Lord Charles of Whitechapel, grips our attention and our hearts all the way through in this tribute to the ambition, courage, and decency of an uncommon common man. This audiobook had me laughing, cheering and weeping. The narration by the incomparable Simon Prebble delivers the moving story to the heart of the listener, and in a turn-about only he can achieve, brings the listener into the hearts of the characters. All this is done in an understated way, never over-acted. In this particular book, accents play a role in the plot of the story. Not only is Simons characterization of each character's voice and accent unique, appropriate and clearly recognizable, but they age from youth to old age believably and recognizably. One character's accent changes in the course of the story, but we always recognize his voice! A truly fine book wonderfully enhanced by a great narrator/actor. 5 stars for the book and for Simon Prebble. The sections done by Barbara Rosenblat were also very fine and she did her part to enhance this book, but putting her next to Simon Prebble is perhaps unfair, he is incomparable. Four stars for Barbara. - Reviewer from Wisconsin