WHERE THE RIVER ENDS

The right narrator can make a good book into an outstanding audiobook. However, a great performance can also magnify a weak novel's flaws. The latter is true with this work. Despite Mark Deakins's skill, the story remains clichéd: poor artist meets rich lingerie model, saves her life, marries her despite her parents' disapproval, and later helps her achieve her last wishes when she’s diagnosed with cancer. Deakins works gamely with accents and flashbacks, reading with enthusiasm and care, but he has little to work with. Those in the mood for light entertainment may find this diverting. However, it’s more likely that listeners will become painfully aware that they’ve been down this river before. L.B.F. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2008]