THE ASPERN PAPERS

One of the masterpieces of James's middle period, this novella tells of a critic who is searching for the love letters of Jeffrey Aspern, a famous poet, in Venice. Modeled after Shelley, Aspern reportedly had relations with a Miss Bordereau, now old, who lives in a decrepit palace. To gain her trust, the editor first becomes her lodger, then develops a friendship with her niece. Jonathan Epstein's voice fits well with the text, but he narrates a bit too quickly, making it hard to appreciate all the subtleties of the writing. Yet his reading, full of grace and understatement, brings out James's artful portrayal of these characters and puts his perfectly crafted prose in high relief. K.M. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 07]