PUBLIC LIBRARY AND OTHER STORIES

Author and narrator Ali Smith's collection of short stories reflects the power of the library as a cultural institution and its connection with life experiences. Smith draws upon eclectic library experiences--from exploring the depths of the online catalogue to running fingers over the raised print of elegant book spines. In "The Human Claim," Smith is the victim of credit card fraud, which reminds her of a story she once read about questioning the contents of D.H. Lawrence's urn. Smith's turns of phrase, coupled with her charming Scottish accent, add to the emotion of her delivery. However, longer pauses between stories, and more emphasis on each title, would have helped differentiate the stories. This collection is a wordsmith's delight. E.B. © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2016]