BALLISTICS

Humphrey Bower does a yeoman's job of differentiating the many male characters in this book about a man's world. First-time novelist Wilson has constructed two parallel stories. The first, told from the point of view of Alan West, begins in the summer of 2003 in British Columbia's remote Kootenay Valley. The other, told from the point of view of Archer, a deserter from the U.S., flashes back to the 1970s. As West searches the Canadian NorthWest for his long-lost grandfather, he encounters Archer. Bower keeps his distance from the novel's emotions, despite the instances of violence, betrayal, love, and deceit. He only occasionally ratchets up Wilson's well-gauged tension. However, his evocative delivery of narrative and talent for male voices create an engaging listening experience. S.C.A. © AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2013]