NEW GRUB STREET

Andrew Wincott narrates this 1891 semi-autobiographical novel of two writers who are embedded in late-nineteenth-century literary London. In a deep, smooth voice, Wincott acts out the give-and-take between the two central characters, who are both marginally successful writers. Novelist Edwin Reardon is portrayed in a quiet voice reflecting his insecurity and penury, while cynical journalist Jasper Milvain is voiced as suits his snobbish, jocular, know-it-all manner, despite his less-than-successful writing career. Wincott's honeyed tones flow forth, shifting the listener's attention between bloated description of the onerous profession of cranking out the written word and long-winded, sometimes stilted, conversation. Wincott masterfully performs this hopeful tale of poverty and the writer's craft. M.B.K. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2022]