A PERFECT ARRANGEMENT

Suzanne Berne has written an insightful, if disturbing, look at a family whose lives are built upon the pretense of perfection. Alexandra O'Karma draws us into the lives of the Cook-Goldmans with frightening intimacy. Her breathy whisper mirrors Mirella's dilemma as she vacillates between tending to the needs of her children and having her own exciting career. Berne traces Howard and Mirella's search for a nanny for their children; their reliance upon Randi, who seems to create harmony where there was discord; and the terrible consequences of relinquishing control for the sake of convenience. O'Karma narrates interior monologues in desperate, somber tones and helps personalities leap to life in sections of dialogue. Berne's elegant prose candidly explores the secrets buried in our darker natures. S.J.H. (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 03]