THE LIVING

The abridged audio version of Annie Dillard's epic novel, The Living, is an absolute delight. Dillard's rich, evocative tale surrounding the birth pangs and subsequent maturity of a small Pacific Northwest community is brought vividly to life by Lawrence Luckinbill's masterful reading. Luckinbill's graceful, expressive tones give full value to the intensity of Dillard's drama and the subtle details of her poetic imagery. While the lives in this rich tapestry of characters get crowded as Dillard traces these pioneers and their progeny through the nineteenth century, Luckinbill proves to be a keen raconteur and keeps his audio audience right on track. R.W.B. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPT 92]