STRAIGHT MAN

Paul Newman played the title role in Russo's last novel, Nobody's Fool, and reader Linden gives the same low-key style to Hank Devereaux, the lead character in the author's latest gem. Sounding like your best friend, Linden relates the occurrences during a week when Devereaux--an English department chair at West Central Pennsylvania University--is physically assaulted by a feminist co-worker and threatens to "kill a duck a day" to stave off departmental budget cuts. There's humor, love and just the right amount of quirkiness to Hank, thanks to Linden's reading style. His voice has the feeling of a comfortable old sweater, and the pacing is perfect for listening on a lazy afternoon. S.I.R. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: NOV/DEC 97]