REALITY AND DREAMS

Sterlin gives a tart, sophisticated reading that mirrors the witty writing that has entertained Sparks's fans for decades. While this latest novel may not be as involving as some of Spark's earlier works, it does reprise one of her favorite themes, the parallels between life and art. In this case, those connections arise from Tom Richards, a self-centered British director confounded by the correspondence between his film projects and his messy personal life. Tom's fall from a crane on the set of his most recent movie and his lengthy incapacitation lead to all sorts of complications, including the disappearance of his mean-spirited daughter, Marigold. Meanwhile, Tom is overmatched in his efforts to soothe the egos of various lovers, actresses, friends and relatives. The novel's disappointment lies in characters who are not fully realized or engaging, a lapse that even Sterlin's arch narration can't surmount. M.O. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/SEP 98]