THE PESTHOUSE

In this postapocalyptic novel by Whitbread winner Jim Crace (QUARANTINE), a catastrophic epidemic has left the United States a desolate wasteland. Margaret and Franklin are trekking east to the ocean, where they hope to board a ship to escape to a better life in Europe. "On the road," so to speak, they are awed by the relics of civilization they pass by as Crace makes clear the relationship between the future he imagines and our current worship of progress--no matter what the cost. Michael Kramer gives a steady narration that results in a smooth portrayal of the reserved main characters. As they confront the hardships of Crace's imagined world, Kramer presents a range of restrained emotions that are fitting to their personalities. J.E.M. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 07/ JAN 08]