WISE CHILDREN

Margolyes's reading of Carter's rambunctious final novel provides an intriguing case study for audiobooks. Her performance, using a distinctive, lower-class English accent, is spirited, passionate and convincing in every way. Yet, to me, the narration is so showy that it ultimately proves more distracting than illuminating. That said, it should be acknowledged that Margolyes's choice is absolutely true to this exuberant, rollicking novel, which presents a behind-the-scenes look at British theater, from one end of the century to the other. Paying homage to Shakespeare's comedies, it is peopled by five sets of theatrical twins, whose ties and biological connections are always ambiguous. Ribald and raffish, the novel nonetheless has serious concerns about the meaning of family and pursuing life's pleasures. A toned-down reading by Margolyes may have helped readers better appreciate Carter's tour de force. M.O. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/MAR 99]