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Nelson DeMille
Read by Scott Brick
Center Street
September 17, 2013 / ISBN 1478952385
Adventure / 1970s / Africa / Audiobook, CD, Unabridged
Reviewed
by Brenda Weeaks
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The
Quest takes place during the Ethiopian Civil War (1970s).
Listeners are first introduced to an Italian priest held prisoner
for forty years. As he reminisces about the last time he saw
a human face, a battle takes place and frees him. The protagonists
in this adventure are two journalists (Frank Purcell, Henry
Mercado) and a photographer (Vivian Smith). While looking
for a story during this war, the trio discovers an Italian
mineral bath spa built during the Italian occupation. Here,
they meet a wounded priest who tells them what he saw forty
years ago and why he was held prisoner. The revelation gives
the trio the quest of a lifetime.
The trio moves across the country looking for the Black Monastery
hiding the Holy Grail. Purcell looks for someone in power
to give them a clear (legal) path to their quest. What he
does is make the quest even deadlier. As I listened I wondered
which of them would make it out alive.
I found The Quest a well-written adventure. It was
a bit slow, most likely because it's an unabridged audio.
The priest goes on for two discs before the listener discover
what he's talking about. There is a lot of dialogue but there
is some action as well… And of course the author's rewrite
added some romance.
Narrator Scott Brick brings DeMille's characters to life.
He gives the priest an aged voice - frail in body, yet strong
in faith. Vivian comes across as self-assured and mysterious.
Purcell's voice is unwavering to match his leadership qualities.
And Henry comes across as vain yet a believer. It's quite
a listen. If you like thrillers with a literary feel, make
some time for The Quest.
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