ANOTHER PART OF THE WOOD

Camping in the country seems like an idyllic way for an odd assortment of city folk to spend a holiday. They meet at an isolated cottage in Wales, their host an enigmatic eccentric. The guests include Joseph, a man preoccupied with interpreting his dreams; his son and girlfriend; and Lionel, an ex-soldier obsessed with his impotence and his unfortunate marriage. Beryl Bainbridge’s wry observations are handled deftly by narrator Michael Tudor Barnes. Tudor Barnes captures each character’s self-absorption, showing each to be blithely oblivious to the others. He enhances Bainbridge’s satire while still remaining true to the characters. Bainbridge’s knowledge of human nature, especially people’s motives and obsessions, makes this revision of her 1968 novel a tightly controlled look at those who are insensitive to anything but their own needs and desires. S.J.H. © AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 04]