THE RUG MERCHANT

Ushman Khan, an Iranian in New York City, sells beautifully hand-woven rugs to wealthy clients. However, his wife, Farak, decides to remain in Tabriz and divorce him. Lonely and depressed, Ushman begins a friendship with Stella, a lovely young American, which deepens into something more serious. Bill Camp's deep, pleasing baritone adds distinct texture to Meg Mullins's debut novel. His performance brings poignancy to the immigrant experience. Camp strikes just the right chord, developing Ushman's isolation and discontent, making it clear that not even his feelings for Stella can blot out his pervasive sense of desolation. A sensitive reading by Camp makes this tenderly written story well worth listening to. S.J.H. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/ SEP 06]