PARALLEL LINES

Renowned British actor Benedict Cumberbatch, who won an Earphones Award for his narration of St. Aubyn's novel DOUBLE BLIND, delivers a terrific performance of the author's latest tale. Rather like an updated Shakespeare comedy on steroids, the tale of love, loss, family, and survival involves separated fraternal twins, mental illness, troubled therapists, and environmental catastrophe. It's heartfelt, occasionally head-spinning, and intensely witty. Cumberbatch, whose first role was Titania in a school production of A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, believably transforms himself into every character, be it sweet, frantic Sebastian--or his exceedingly calm therapist, Martin--who's also the adoptive father of Sebastian's long-lost twin, the needy yet loving Olivia. They, and many others, are delivered with unique characterizations and often at speed. Hang on and enjoy. A.C.S. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2025]