PRIVATE LIFE

When Margaret narrowly escapes spinster status and weds Andrew, her mother reminds her she must obey her husband for only the first year of marriage. If only Margaret had heeded her mother’s advice and not yielded to her self-centered husband for so long—her life might have inspired a livelier novel. Kate Reading does her best with this laborious story, which spans the turn of the twentieth century. At times, she herself seems worn down by the slow pace and voices Margaret in dull tones. Smiley, who is usually unparalleled, seems unable to light the spark that would drive this narrative. Rather than a riveting audiobook, PRIVATE LIFE is a mildly diverting listen. L.B.F. © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2010]