SWIMMING

In a monotonous, even tone, this story unfolds slowly. The novel's attention to character development bogs down Kate Reading's narrative. She does her best to match the intended drama of revealing personalities and family dynamics. With no action to speak of, the story unravels the sibling rivalry of two very different brothers, who, apparently to everyone else but themselves, have a deep hatred for each other. Enter the love interest, and the tension mounts. Reading adds drama to less than dramatic scenes and uses an unhurried and deliberate delivery to try to interest the listener. Dialogue is done well, considering the characters are less than exciting. D.L.M. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/JUL 02]