GOODBYE, SAIGON

Thoroughly absorbing, this novel is a perfect choice for audio. Lauren Tom bring's Vida's already vivid characters vibrantly alive. The abridgMent successfully handles the flashbacks to Ahn's homeland, Vietnam, giving sufficient background to this well-rounded character. However, her partner, Jana, is not given the same attention, and some of the subplots involving her family are not fully resolved. Narrator Tom's pleasing voice overrides any shortcomings of the abridgment, making this audiobook a pleasure. Many of the Vietnamese names and locations may be unfamiliar to some readers but are made clear with Tom's excellent enunciation. This novel lingers in one's mind for its characters, story lines and engaging performance. A.L.M. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: APR 95]