MY LIFE AS A MAN

Roth’s 1974 work—finally available on audio—bursts into life with Dan John Miller’s exceptional performance. The first section, “Useful Fictions,” consists of two entertaining short stories, which Miller performs well. The second section, the majority of the work, “My True Story,” is Peter Tarnopol’s first-person “memoir” of his rocky, emotionally wrought marriage to Maureen. Miller’s performance of this portion of the book is scintillating. His depictions of the battles and other emotionally charged moments between this couple are so vivid and realistic that listeners will feel as though they’re spying on their conflicted lives. The scene in which Peter’s unbridled hatred of Maureen erupts, leading to Maureen’s emotional and physical responses, is an audiobook triumph. D.J.S. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award, 2011 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2010]