AUDIO

The Real Mrs. Tobias

HarperAudio. Sept. 2022. 9:25 hrs. ISBN 9780063223752. $24.99. F
COPY ISBN
In her delightful sixth novel, Koslow (Another Side of Paradise) compassionately explores the complex dynamics within four generations of the Tobias family. Psychotherapist Mel regularly plays the role of peacemaker between her steely mother-in-law Veronika, a psychoanalyst who belittles Mel’s education and therapy practice, and the rest of the NYC-based Tobias clan. Chaos ensues when Mel and Jake’s son Micah flees the scene of a hit-and-run and refuses to go to the police. Micah’s angry and disappointed wife Birdie takes their child to her family’s farm in Iowa, much to the dismay of Mel, who adores her granddaughter Alice. To add to the dysfunction, Veronika’s husband is showing signs of dementia and offending customers at the family clothing store. Callie Beaulieu’s and Kendra Hoffman’s spot-on narration brings out Koslow’s perfect balance of humor and drama. The pair marvelously manage the frequent point-of-view shifts among Veronika, Mel, and Birdie, providing listeners with intimate portraits of each character as the narrative rolls along.
VERDICT With its outstanding performances, this touching multigenerational drama, with richly evocative descriptions of both big-city and small-town life, should have wide appeal, especially for those who like their family drama with a side of snark.
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.


RELATED 

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?