THE POLE

Colin Mace portrays the two seniors in this novel. Wittold Walccyzkiecz, a Polish pianist specializing in Chopin, falls in love with the woman who organized his concert in Barcelona. With skill and empathy, Mace uses pauses, changes in pitch, and emphasis as he navigates the complicated plot. Wittold's pursuit of Beatriz is deliberate and sensuous. Mace enhances the story's heartbreaking culmination with a sad and forlorn tone that suggests what might have been. Is there an expiration date on love? Coetzee says no, and Mace's narration illuminates a love story that transcends death. R.O. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2023]