THE BOAT

This collection of seven short stories is a tour de force of both writing and narration. The author has created several memorable tales that take place around different parts of the globe, including the story of a teenaged assassin from Colombia, a middle-aged artist about to meet his daughter for the first time in years, and a Vietnamese writer whose father comes to see him in America. The narrators represent a cross section of styles and voices. James Yaegashi has a slightly husky, authoritative tone. Henry Strozier is the epitome of a grizzled and slightly weary man. Gideon Emery has a soft Australian accent, and Jennifer Ikeda carries us along with her lyrical, measured, and crystal-clear reading. Some of the narrators provide character voices, but they’re spare and serve only to enhance the stories and their themes. R.I.G. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2009]