THE BACKWARD SHADOW

A sequal to THE L-SHAPED ROOM, this novel takes its main character to the country to raise her baby with no father in sight and little support from the townspeople. Her handling of what life presents her is positive and hopeful. As the book works out Jane's troubles, Harriet Walter expresses every nuance of the plot. The phenomenon of her delivery is that she becomes what she reads. After the last tape is heard, one remembers the story and not her voice. Each representation is accurate and true. Technically excellent with accents, Walter lets the story tell itself without giving an overstated performance. If one can excuse the author for leaving the baby alone in the cottage for several hours at a time, listening to this book is pleasurable. J.P. © AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/JUL 01]