THE MAN FROM SAIGON

Susan Ericksen's forceful reading perfectly conveys this novel: the oppressive heat and humidity of its setting—1967 Vietnam, the relentless tension of its plot, and the ongoing stress of its three war-beset characters. Ericksen's driving delivery unites the points of view of British war correspondent Susan Gifford; her American colleague and lover, Marc Davis; and Vietnamese photographer Hoang Van Son. Situations, locales, and time periods switch periodically from Susan and Marc's initial love affair in Saigon to Susan and Son's capture by three Vietcong soldiers and Marc's torment while Susan is missing. Each change reveals relationship complexities, secrets, and increasing character depth. While these alternating points of view realistically suggest the fragmented feeling of the war experience, Ericksen's intensity provides listening continuity. S.W. © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2010]