THE SPA DECAMERON

Weldon's latest work places the listener's ear to the wall of the luxurious Castle Spa, where 10 fascinating women spend their recuperative time telling their life stories, secrets, and scandals. The stories themselves are steeped in glamorous lifestyles and gossipy tidbits, making this a superbly diverting listen for a beach vacation or a long flight. Rula Lenska offers an energetic, determined reading of the text, but the transitions between stories are often awkward and difficult to sort out due to the lack of distinction between characters' voices. These stumbling points, however, will not deter listeners eager for entertainment and escape. Once these moments are negotiated, the listener moves on to the next story, buoyed by Lenska's powerful narration. L.B.F. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2009]