THE MIDDLE HEART

A recent addition to the growing and impressive canon of fiction by Asian-American women, this ingratiating novel follows the sweeping history of modern China through the eyes of three exceptional friends who come to maturity while contributing to the revolution. Bette Bao Lord reads competently, if not inspiringly, in a pleasant, gentle voice. Unfortunately, the softness of her speech exaggerates her liquid mouth noises, which may drive sensitive listeners crazy (though they'll hardly be noticeable in a moving car). Y.R. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT 96]