CHILDREN PLAYING BEFORE A STATUE OF HERCULES

This collection of stories, many well known, is remarkable for its variety, intensity, and quality. Readers are well matched, each one capturing the story's voice and striking just the right balance between restraint and emotion. Cherry Jones's dialogue shines as she depicts the tension between estranged sisters. Toby Wherry captures the cynicism of a literary critic who critiques his own murder. David Sedaris underscores the child's incredulity in the story about a bizarre substitute teacher. Akhil Sharma, the only author in the collection reading his own work, adds a strong sense authenticity with his accent. Mary-Louise Parker's performance of a woman at the bedside of her dying friend made this listener cry. E.S. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 06]