THE BOOK OF NONEXISTENT WORDS

Narrator John Lee approaches Stefano Massini's clever and diverting audiobook with a suitable mix of whimsy and gravitas. Massini, an Italian playwright and novelist, has created an alphabetical compendium of new words inspired by actual events. The events are as obscure as they are real, which adds to the fun. Thus, we have "annonism" and "anchorism" from Navy recruit Charlie Cowart's experiences with the airship USS AKRON in 1932. "Biroism" is from the story behind the invention of the ballpoint pen. And there's more--all the way to "zeissian." Lee's usual warm baritone and British-fusion accent support the solemnity of a book about words, while his almost audible wink and rhythmic delivery, reminiscent of a pub storyteller's, reflect the work's charm and quirkiness. A.C.S. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2021]