MANTRAPPED

This odd book--a "reality novel"--switches between Trisha Perle, former lottery winner, who has recklessly run through her ý3 million, and author Weldon's infusions of her thoughts about life and the book she is writing--this one. When not interrupted by Weldon's reflections, Trisha's story of accidentally switching souls and finding herself in the body of Peter, a young journalist (and he in hers), is deliciously ironic. Narrator Rula Lenska's deep, throaty rasp handles both Trisha's and Peter's stories with charm and wit. Lenska's voice would be worth hearing even if she were reading a grocery list, and Weldon's comments in her own voice are decidedly droll and satirical, but as a conjoined novel on audio, the whole thing becomes a jumble. S.J.H. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/ JUL 06]