HALF LIGHT

It takes patience to complete this slow-moving but excellent listening experience. For one thing, much of the action, or inaction, is psychological. Elisabeth, an art restorer, is stalked and virtually imprisoned by a man from her past. As two lovers/friends search for her, she seems powerless to escape. Additionally, two of the characters have speech impediments. To reader Langford’s credit, she doesn’t minimize these handicaps, but struggles realistically with words and phrases. Hearing these lines is painful but far more powerful than reading them would be. Other individuals--especially the locals in Elisabeth’s hometown--are equally, if less spectacularly, well portrayed. There’s some suspense and interesting stuff about art restoration, but Langford’s performance is the star here. J.B.G. Winner of AUDIOFILE Earphones Award ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/NOV 98]