The Haunted Life: And Other Writings

This book includes an unfinished novel by iconic Beat writer Kerouac, published here for the first time, plus a detailed overview its development, and letters from Kerouac's father. Actor Schreiber narrates only the incomplete novel, but he does much with the little he is given, capturing the tone of the prose with ease and intrigue. His deep but soft delivery works well with the straight narration, and he musters up some unique voices for the characters. The remainder of the collection is narrated by Daniels, whose performance pales in comparison to Schreiber's. Daniels's deep and gravelly voice doesn't quite fit the material. He keeps pace and projection, but the writing does not give him much chance to shine. A Da Capo hardcover. (Mar.)