BARTLEBY THE SCRIVENER AND OTHER STORIES

One of the world's great short stories starts off as a comedy of the workplace, with an emotionally safe, dignified narrator describing the copyists of his law office and their quirky routines. But when the cryptic Bartleby enters the story, the stakes are raised to that of a spiritual drama. William Roberts captures the office comedy nicely and also the mounting anguish of the narrator trying and failing to be his brother's keeper. The narrator's glimpse into the void gives Roberts the chance to create tension in the later scenes by suggesting the apprehensions of this naïve but kindhearted man. Also included are the much shorter stories "The Lightning-Rod Man" and "The Bell-Tower." G.H. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/ SEP 06]