THE CEMENT GARDEN

The question is a familiar one: Are humans inherently good or bad? When left to his own devices, can a child form his own idea of morality? If so, what choices will he make? McEwan's novel can only be described as chillingly sinister as its drama unfolds. The young narrator, Jack, becomes the man of the house after his parents pass away, and, as a result, he and his sisters are free to do as they please. Steven Crossley smoothly offers an almost detached, nonchalant reading of this uncomfortably squirm-inducing novel; his offhand rendering of Jack's voice is simply perfect. Exposed to the horror of some of Jack's choices, the listener feels like a witness to a crime--one from which it is difficult to turn away. L.B.F. (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 03/JAN 04]