THE NIGHT IN QUESTION

Tobias Wolff's short stories range in location and lives but always transmit an inventive power. These stories are fine examples of emotional color. The narration by the author is good; he's articulate, and his tone is clear and appealing. However, he's not dramatically trained in delivery, and each phrase has much the same emphasis. The vocal cues that actors use to help listeners glean what's important and what's not are missing. The stories themselves have strong dramatic and emotional impact, and Wolff's narration maintains a certain neutrality. Listeners who appreciate an unobtrusive style will like Wolff's reading. This reviewer would like to hear a more expressive rendition. R.F.W. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: JAN 97]