A VIRTUOUS WOMAN

Diplomatic Ruby, 45, and her unrestrained husband, Jack, 65, speak a few months apart, she before and he after her death from lung cancer. They tell their touching story in alternating chapters (except the last). The two readers take full advantage of this innovative format. Ruth Ann Phimister's style is mostly calm and reflective. Tom Stechschulte's tone is conversational and animated, a style that works especially well with Jack's offbeat witticisms. Since his characters language is so colorful, Stechschulte's performance shines more, but the contrast works piquantly, like plain rice setting off a spicy dish. The characters do right by one another, and, similarly, the narrators enhance what each has to offer. D.J. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/JUL 99]