DELICATE EDIBLE BIRDS And Other Stories

These literary stories try to range far and wide, but are often unconvincing, contrived, even mannered. Details ring false, betraying the stories as palpably "made up"; they're best when they stick to the mundane. But Susan Ericksen's reading is better than the material. Her voice is strong, flexible, and likable. She indicates different voices almost effortlessly, and her emotional touch is both subtle and effective. Further, her pacing is excellent. From time to time, she delivers a phrase with the wrong emphasis and occasionally fumbles a word. Otherwise, for the most part, her reading is a pleasure. If only more of the stories were. W.M. © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2010]