MAN IN THE EMPTY SUIT

Every year the time-traveling main character—who goes by the various nicknames of "Screwdriver,” "70," and "Yellow Sweater"—celebrates his birthday with past and future incarnations of himself in a derelict Manhattan hotel. It's 2071, the hundredth anniversary of his birth. Narrator Mauro Hantman recounts this offbeat, paradoxical saga with convincing, amusing, and disturbing portrayals of the nameless protagonist's many selves. It's particularly amusing to hear Hantman’s delivery of his younger and elder selves criticizing each other. The verbal contrast he provides for the protagonist and grumpy, alcoholic Phil, who become friends, is striking. An uncommon plot and unconventional writing make audio the perfect vehicle for sampling this oddball adventure—a treat for those who like mind-bending fiction. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2013]