THE AMATEUR MARRIAGE

Tyler's ambitious sixteenth novel explores a weighty topic, the erosion of a marriage, over an unusually long period of time, 1941 to the present. Once again, you'll enjoy Tyler's trademark light yet insightful touch. The ill-fated couple at the story's center, Michael and Pauline, are as familiar as relatives--just "two good people who are bad for each other," as Tyler puts it. The point of view in the book's 10 chapters shifts from one family member to another, allowing sympathy for all. Blair Brown's capable reading beautifully facilitates this movement between characters. Brown's voice, like Tyler's writing, is familiar and wise; her subtle distinctions in tone draw contrasts between impetuous Pauline and stolid, methodical Michael without ever hitting a distracting note. J.C.G. (c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/ JUL 04]