Blizzard

Kliatt, July, 2003 by Pat Dole

BLIZZARD. Jim Murphy. 2000/2003. Read by Taylor Mali. 2 cds. 2.25 hrs. Audio Bookshelf. 1883332-91-5. $26.95. Vinyl; content notes. JSA Although America's East Coast has since suffered larger snowfalls, the great blizzard of 1888 continues to live in history. Before the days of instant communication and expert weather forecasting, storms could descend without warning on a hapless populace. No one expected that a mild March day would be followed by a freakish combination of weather fronts that would paralyze life from Virginia to Maine.

In a gripping narrative drawn from personal accounts as well as historical archives, the author tells a suspenseful tale, with particular concentration on New York City and its environs and the spirit of its residents. Despite bitter cold and huge drifts, factory and shop workers, afraid to be absent from their jobs, tried to reach their workplaces. and determined children slogged their way to schools. Trains were snowbound, boats foundered. and people died, sometimes only yards from their houses. In a clear, semi-voiced presentation Mali builds excitement as he describes the scenes and characters with drama and authority. Pat Dole, Richmond, VA