LEAVING HOME

Joanna David certainly has the right cultured British accent to read one of Anita Brookner' signature tales of love, loss, and solitude. Thankfully, in addition to the perfect accent, David possesses a firm delivery and well-modulated voice that fortify the listener. Brookner's novels have a dreamy quality and often seem devoid of dialogue; and however fascinating her investigations of the heart, the reflective passages risk dragging, even for the most devoted fan. But David reads purposefully and crisply, keeping both characters and listeners going forward. She also subtly varies her pacing, which enlivens the writing almost as dialogue would and helps keep listeners attuned to the story's themes. A.C.S. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/ JUL 06]