GOOD FAITH

Capitalism, yuppies, and the S&L scandals of the ‘80s are fodder for Jane Smiley’s ninth novel. Here, she deals with the self-involved, self-justifying, get-rich-quick schemes of the period. Joe Stratford, a divorced nice-guy realtor, yields to every temptation. First, he begins an affair with Felicity, a married woman who is also his boss’s daughter. Then Marcus, a stranger with impressive credentials, comes to town, and Joe gets involved in a scheme promising high yield for low investment--a temptation that’s too good to be true--which, of course, backfires. Richard Poe’s narration of Smiley’s morality play will keep listeners entertained. Smiley, a consummate craftsperson, makes the listener aware that this is good writing at the same time that Poe’s impeccable performance allows the writing to disappear. S.J.H. © AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 03]