THE WHOLE WORLD OVER

Julia Glass’s second novel explores the psychological intricacies that twist motives, form expectations, and reveal the depth and nature of relationships. Denis O’Hare narrates Greenie and Alan’s story as they weather the ennui that follows years of marriage, middle age, “and all the natural shocks.” Greenie takes their son and leaves Alan, New York City, and her best friend, Walter, a gay man with his own love problems, and heads to New Mexico to work for the governor. O’Hare never lets events slip into soap opera. From larger-than-life governor to conscientious aide, from precocious 4-year-old to brain-damaged young woman, O’Hare’s cool yet engaging voice avoids sentimentality while still allowing each character his or her humanity. O’Hare’s performance and this first-rate abridgment treat Glass’s novel with care and respect. S.J.H. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 06]