THE ALTRUISTS

Mark Bramhall's narration captures Arthur Alter's evolution from total self-involvement to something better. This novel is dark, humorous, compelling, and all about family. Alter is a mostly failed academic with two semi-dysfunctional adult children who are mourning their mother, Francine, and resenting the affair their father carried out while Francine was on her deathbed. Ridker creates something warm and hopeful out of those dark ingredients. Bramhall is a fine narrator, although the listener may wish at times that he would speed it up a little. He handles men's and women's voices equally well. While the story's themes are not sparklingly new, Ridker's fine writing and Bramhall's strong performance keep them sounding fresh. G.S. © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2019]