TOMATO RED

Woodrell, author of the magnificent WINTER’S BONE, knows how to create a haunting sense of place and cast of characters. With this novel, he infuses his intensity with some humor, thanks to protagonist Sammy Barlach. A lovable loser who stumbles among mishaps, Sammy finds a home with like-minded ne’er-do-wells Bev, Jason, and Jamalee. Brian Troxell is magical in his performance. He embraces a Midwestern twang so personable and appealing that we can’t help but root for Sammy and his friends. Occasionally, a phrase might ring a little too quaint, but these moments pale in comparison to the rest of this audiobook. Between Troxell’s mastery of the dialogue and accent and Woodrell’s way with words and characters, this is irresistible. L.B.F. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2012]