UNION ATLANTIC

Haslett’s debut novel begins by introducing each of its complex, slightly flawed characters separately and then slowly bringing their stories together. A Boston banker is battling a history teacher over the rights to a piece of land. Narrator David Aaron Baker keeps the pace slow and even, drawing the listener in to the building drama. However, there are have some pronunciation missteps and some awkward sentences where he seems to lose his way. Overall, Baker deftly handles the male voices with a variety of intonations and cadences, but he is not as strong with the females. His best voices come across when he can be the most creative—in the words of the female protagonist’s constant companions, her dogs, who become more vocal as the story progresses, allowing Baker to develop distinct speech that matches their personalities. E.N. © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2010]