THE END OF THE AFFAIR

In this novel of adultery and religious quest--scandalous in its day--Maurice Bendrix is a sardonic and cynical writer who reflects on his affair with Sarah, a married woman, during the bombing of London in 1940. British actor Michael Kitchen is well suited to Bendrix's character, and his narration nicely handles the sarcastic humor. He's usually convincing with the other characters, as well, though the lengthy section of excerpts from Sarah's diary would have been more effective with some subtle vocal change. It might have helped define her character more sharply if she didn't sound exactly like Bendrix. D.B. © AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC/JAN 00]