Audio

摘要

FICTION Anonymous. 0: A Presidential Novel 11 CDs. retail ed. unabridged. 12'/2 hrs. S. & S. Audio. 2011. ISBN 9781442341142. $39.99; digital download, f The Obama campaign for 2012 is the theme of this bloated "insider's" look at politics written by an unidentified author-a la Primary Colors-whom the publisher coyly states "has been in the room with Barack Obama and wishes to remain anonymous." "O" is planning his reelection campaign with the aid of trusted advisors Avi Samu-elson (aka Rahm Emanuel) and Cal Regan (ooh, could it be David Axelrod?) and is running against a halfway-decent Republican who seems a weird composite of John McCain and Mitt Romney. Various other characters clearly modeled on real-life individuals flit in and out of the narrative, but no one, not even the pensive O, makes a lasting impression. Actor Campbell Scott, however, does an excellent job with the narration, though, considering his talent as a performer, even he seems to be phoning it in a little. Those wishing to retain a shred of belief in the notion that the phrase "I'm from the government, and I'm here to help you" has any validity should skip this sour lemon of a book. ["A political junkie's rollicking read delivered by a knowledgeable, if subjective, insider," read the review of the S. & S. he, LJ Xpress Reviews,-2/10/11 — Ed.]