BOB THE GAMBLER

In reading this novel of obsession and ultimate self-education, reader Adams Morgan does author Frederick Barthelme a distinct favor: In the tradition of unexpressive performance style, he gets out of the way. Instead of hamming up the characterizations, something that would be understandable given the eccentricities of these overeducated, under-sensitized Southern types, Morgan underplays most everything. This may not make for an exciting performance, but it fits Barthelme's prose. BOB THE GAMBLER has enough quirkiness all by itself and doesn't need any added complications. D.W. © AudioFile 2000, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/JUL 00]