THE CONSTANT GARDENER

From the opening lines, Michael Jayston immerses listeners in the heat of modern-day Nairobi and the moldering colonialism of the British diplomatic service in Africa. Tragedy and scandal surround the murder of the activist wife of British diplomat Justin Quayle. Jayston effortlessly makes transitions in time and memory and switches in and out of the interior monologues as the secrets and lies unfold for listeners. Jayston is simply perfect. He accentuates the subtleties and brilliance of le Carré's storytelling. Despite the excellence of the author's own readings--one of the great listening experiences--the abridgments often lose the details and introspection that make le Carré's work so fascinating. Nothing is lost here, however, and Jayston's performance should not be missed. R.F.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award. © AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 01]