THE WEDDING OFFICER

Priggish James Gouding is overwhelmed by the sensuality of Naples when he's commanded to sort out prostitutes from potential brides for British officers during WWII. His job turns into so much more when he meets the newly widowed Livia, who knows as much about cooking as she does about sex. Daniel Philpott fluidly portrays gravelly voiced commanding officers, a wheezy Italian despot, and the lyrical Italian accents of Livia. Livia's bouts of temper, soft femininity, and passion--for James and for cooking--all come across in Philpott's narration. The story's time and place, theme of self-knowledge, and gripping action, such as the eruption of Vesuvius and treks behind enemy lines, work together to create lyrical writing that takes this novel beyond the typical romance. S.W. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2008]