America America
by Ethan Canin
Narrated by Robertson Dean
Why You'll Love This
Robertson Dean's measured, knowing voice transforms this Nixon-era mystery into something hypnotic—he nails the unreliable narrator's slow realization that his own ambition may have destroyed everything around him.
About This Book
Set against the backdrop of 1970s America, this sweeping novel follows Corey Sifter, a working-class teenager who becomes a groundskeeper on the estate of the influential Metarey family. When the family's connections lead to his involvement with Senator Henry Bonwiller's presidential campaign, Corey finds himself navigating the treacherous waters of political ambition, family loyalty, and personal desire. As he moves between two worlds—his humble origins and the rarefied atmosphere of wealth and power—Corey becomes entangled in events that will force him to confront the moral complexities of American politics and the price of advancement.
Robertson Dean's measured narration perfectly captures the reflective tone of Corey's retrospective storytelling, bringing depth to both the idealistic young man and his older, wiser counterpart looking back. Dean's performance skillfully distinguishes between the novel's large cast of characters while maintaining the intimate quality of personal memoir. His pacing allows the political intrigue to build naturally alongside Corey's coming-of-age journey, making the fifteen-hour runtime feel purposeful rather than indulgent. The audio format enhances the story's oral tradition quality, as if listening to someone recount pivotal moments that shaped both his life and the nation.
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