THE SHORT STORIES OF WILLIAM SOMERSET MAUGHAM: Vol. 2

No one who relishes the little ironies of life can fail to appreciate this second audio collection of Maugham's short stories. It takes us on a strange journey to far worlds where we meet unusual people: the executioner in a French penal colony; a lonely Englishman on a South Sea island; a wealthy baron who is happier defying his parents, living the life of a Jewish musician. Charlton Griffin narrates with the ease of an urbane man of the world, but recreates Maugham's strange characters with pleasure and gusto. While his narrative voice is graceful and compelling, his characterizations are acutely individual, even bizarre. Their voices linger in our memory long after the tape is off. Combined with an appropriate musical score and sound effects, this is a thoroughly satisfying package. P.E.F. 2003 Audie Award Winner (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/SEP 02]