IN EVERY MOMENT WE ARE STILL ALIVE

Simon Vance brings his considerable narration skills to Swedish writer Tom Malmquist's autobiographical novel. Tom rushes his pregnant partner, Karin, to the hospital. Her flu-like symptoms turn out to be acute leukemia, and though the baby survives an emergency delivery, Karin dies soon afterwards. Vance's narration places listeners firmly inside Tom's head. The present-tense stream-of-consciousness style is especially effective in capturing the confusing, often absurd, experience of a medical emergency. Following the tragedy, Tom recounts his memories of Karin, along with his difficult path forward. His raw feelings are palpable, but Vance's strong delivery, evoking the author's stiff upper lip and sense of humor, encourages listeners to carry on through even the darkest times. A.T.N. © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2018]