LAST MAN IN TOWER

Adiga’s rich story is so full of characters that it reminds one of Dickens. But Sam Dastor’s use of affected Indian accents in their dialogue is overdone to the point of distracting from the story. The nasally, wheedling tone of the secretary of an apartment building may be more than some listeners can take in long stretches. However, some listeners may consider the characterizations to be playful—indicative of humor intended by the author. Dastor is a capable narrator otherwise and changes tone, pitch, and inflection to help differentiate the novel’s many male characters. Overall, this production may please those looking for an inventive reading. M.R. © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2011]