MEN AND DOGS

Hearing the innermost thoughts of a misguided character can be even more unsettling than reading them on the page—especially when the narrator’s performance is so convincing. Gabra Zackman portrays the irresponsible, self-destructive character of Hannah Legare with a calm, quiet vulnerability that makes the listener think that perhaps her story is worth hearing. Hannah’s entire existence is marred by her father’s mysterious disappearance when she was a child. Hannah’s estranged husband, ex-boyfriend, mother, gay brother and his lover, and even a dog are all affected by the loss and by Hannah’s tiresome inability to cope. Zackman slips between the characters effortlessly, depicting each one with sensitivity and grace. A hopeful ending brings a sigh of relief. M.M.G. © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2011]