THE RESURRECTION OF JOAN ASHBY

Narrator Gabra Zackman meets the challenges of this audiobook, which is constructed as stories within a story. The main plot focuses on Joan, a famous short story author whose career is stalled by marriage and motherhood and later revived after a stunning betrayal. By modulating her tone and pacing, Zackman clearly signals when the audiobook switches from Joan's life to the many extracts from her stories and novels. At the same time, Zackman gives consistent voices to Joan and her family and friends. Zackman also handles the character's accents, particularly Indian and French, when necessary. Michael Dickes ably reads the few sections told from a male viewpoint. Listeners will appreciate the engaging performances more than the rambling novel. C.B.L. © AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2017]