OPEN HOUSE

Elizabeth Berg,who has always embraced issues that beleaguer women, now addresses divorce as Samantha struggles with reason, finances, and motherhood after her husband has left her. Beth Fowler gives a rounded personality to many of the book's characters, and, even though we might not agree with her characterizations, there are varied voices and attitudes for each. Her narration, however, is stilted and disjointed. It lacks the warmth and intimacy that would draw the listener into the family circle. Each sentence attacks, instead of smoothly supporting the story. J.P. © AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/JUL 01]