JOURNEY TO THE END OF THE WORLD

In the final installment of the Joel Gustafson series, the Swedish Henning Mankell clearly demonstrates his ability to stretch beyond his Inspector Wallander mysteries. Joel has just graduated from high school and is eager to begin life beyond his tiny village. Narrator Francis Greenslade masterfully captures the deep emotion, moving asides, and softly uttered nuances when Joel meets his mother, who abandoned him when he was a small child. But the most bittersweet moments come as Joel cares for his dying father. His and Samuel's last days together, during which they pretend they will be going to sea just as they always planned, are heartbreaking to listen to. The conclusion is beautifully written, with Greenslade's performance the perfect enhancement. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2012]