THE ELEPHANTA SUITE

For the transient residents of the hotel suite that connects these three novellas, India remains elusive, seductive, and mysterious. All their preconceived expectations are turned upside down. Firdous Bamji is an excellent choice as the presenter of these subtle and haunting tales. His pacing catches the crush and bustle of the cities as well the torpor of the scorching countryside. He convincingly captures the accents and cadences of the characters, males and females, young and old--from dissolute Americans to Indian elephant keepers. His portrayal of the formal and quaintly dated English that is uniquely Indian adds a richness that cannot be fully conveyed through the written word. Bamji's rendition definitely enhances these provocative stories. M.O.B. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2008]