STERN

This is the first novel by the author of numerous darkly humorous stories and plays of contemporary life--notably "Steambath," which was made into a cable TV series, and the screenplay for SPLASH. The title character of this opus is a classic anxiety-ridden East Coast Jewish male going through the usual crises as son, husband, and ulcer-ridden father. Some say Phillip Roth does it better; some say Roth just does it differently. Judge for yourself with this cassette, nicely, albeit frantically, read by Adam Grupper. Aside from trying a little too hard, Grupper has the milieu, tone, and characters down cold. An interview with the author precedes and ends the tape. Y.R. © AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 01]