In PEN/Bernard Malamud Award winner Beattie's powerfully stark period novella, Jane, a recent 1980s Harvard graduate, recounts her life experiences beginning with her plunge from rural independence to urban life with a much older, married lover. Beattie herself reads, and though the audio is professionally produced and features consistent volume throughout, it sounds bland in spots and would have benefited from the addition of background music or more vocal variety. Despite her limited range, Beattie creates with her expressive, accent-free voice and appropriately soothing, slow-paced reading the image of a reflective protagonist looking back on her life. Recommended where there is interest. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 2/15/10.—Ed.]—Laurie Selwyn, formerly with Grayson Cty. Law Lib., Sherman, TX
Comment Policy:
Comment should not be empty !!!