THE RAIN BEFORE IT FALLS

Jonathan Coe's RAIN is perfect for audio. Rosamond, 73 and dying, decides to leave 20 carefully selected photographs and the story behind each in a series of audiocassettes to Imogen, the blind granddaughter of her childhood friend. As Rosamond attempts to describe each photo, her mind wanders through the past. She speculates about the meanings behind a smile, a slouch, a grimace and in her digressions reveals the convoluted nature of her relationship with Beatrix, Imogen's grandmother, and Thea, Imogen's mother. Jenny Agutter's performance trembles with intimacy, as if burdened with secrets she must share. Her voice is hushed and intense. Coe's writing captures the elusive quality of memory, and Agutter's perfect diction and genteel tones convey youthful treachery, misplaced affections, animosities, and tragedy. S.J.H. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2008]