LEVIATHAN

In this first-person novel of psychological complexity, writer/translator Peter Aaron reminisces about his late friend and fellow scribe, Benjamin Sachs, who died under mysterious circumstances. But in recalling and analyzing this errant genius, Aaron reveals more about himself than about his friend. An audio version of this very personal and subjective material must communicate the intensely emotional nature of Aaron's investigations. But narrator Peter Ganim almost completely ignores it. He reads at an unvarying clip that tramples on subtext and atmosphere. Thus, despite his pleasant baritone and accurate interpretation of surface detail, he renders Aaron's fascination with Sachs inexplicable and pointless. The brief interview with author Paul Auster that follows the book is far more revealing. Y.R. © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2010]