THE LIGHT OF EVENING

O'Brien's nineteenth novel is a story of the divisions between mother and daughter--a generation apart, a country apart. The mother's story is the easiest to follow as the lyrical narrative switches from one woman's point of view to the other's. O'Brien's poetic language is delightful, but much is left unsaid. Years pass, people marry, divorce, die, children are born, books are written, Dilly's treasured farm goes downhill, along with her husband's love and care. While listeners are left to guess at these in-between times, Dearbhla Molloy's narration is a welcome aid. The heavy brogue she falls into whenever she's speaking in the mother or grandmother's voice provides clear character differentiation for the listener. R.R. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/ MAY 07]