THE AFTERLIFE AND OTHER STORIES

This bittersweet collection of five stories touches upon many themes common to Updike's work--old age, marriage partners comfortable with their tired roles, and the fragility and imprecision of dreams. These stories fade quickly from mind due, in large part, to Updike's earnest, but dry, narrative style, which robs them of any color or vitality. Another problem is the lack of differentiation among the characters' voices; this becomes especially apparent when a man and a woman converse. Also, Updike cannot do accents--an egregious problem in "Farrells' Caddie." These stories may be better read than heard. E.E.L. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: APR 95]