THE DOCTOR'S HOUSE

Nina and Andrew suffer the effects of having grown up in a home in which alcoholism (their mother) and philandering (their father) dominated. In Beattie's novel the adult children and their mother give their perspectives on the others' lives. Nina, read by Katherine Kellgren, comes across as whiny and reactive, begrudgingly living vicariously through her brother. Suzanne Toren gives a convincing performance as the doctor's wife, delivering sharp criticism and a false sense of her own importance. Finally, Andrew--charmingly read by Jeff Woodman--offers his own take on the women in his life. While the three narrators bring each character to life, none can really move this story beyond the forgettable. H.L.S. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/ SEP 06]