A SONG FOR MARY

Authors are seldom the best readers of their own works. For one thing, few of them are trained vocalists. Dennis Smith is a perfect example. In a theater, his high, thin voice likely wouldn't carry past the second row. But his matter-of-fact and understated tone lets his narrative stand on its own. And what a narrative it is, carrying us through this memoir of his Irish childhood as if we are present at every important juncture. Smith's reading, though more amateur than professional, actually adds to its immense power. D.W. © AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/NOV 99]