SCHMIDT DELIVERED

In this continuation of the adventures of Albert Schmidt, begun in ABOUT SCHMIDT, our hero, a retired East Coast WASP, has acquired a fabulous young mistress. His Jewish son-in-law is in deep trouble, and his daughter wants money to start a new business with her paramour. Schmidt's wealthy Jewish neighbor (Schmidt doesn't like Jews) kibitzes annoyingly on these circumstance, offers help, and won't take no for an answer. What's his game? The writing is elegant, the tone urbane, and the humor witty. While doing his wonted clear, expressive work here, narrator Guidall doesn't quite pull it off. The author has fully and enthusiastically embraced his protagonist, warts and all, in a way that Guidall can't bring himself to do. Y.R. (c) AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC/ JAN 02]