SPUTNIK SWEETHEART

Adam Sims projects the unrequited desire of the male narrator of this novel, featuring a love triangle of unfulfilled longing. Sims's narration is melodic, dreamy, and wistful, characteristics that are all suitable, even necessary, for a first-person point of view that meanders through recollections of love gone awry. Die-hard Murakami fans may be distracted by the pronounced American accent used to portray the cast of Japanese characters. Interestingly, Sims doesn't affect Asian-accented English for this volume as other narrators may have done; his choices likely will highlight the universal nature of love for the majority of listeners. He treats female characters with the same steady tone he gives the male protagonist, rendering this an overall even performance. M.R. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine [Published: FEBRUARY 2014]