AFTER CAROLINE

A car accident in Atlanta and a simultaneous one in Oregon involve two women who resemble each other to the point of twinship. Caroline dies, but Joanna is left with a recurring dream that takes her to the scene of the other accident, 3000 miles away. This novel would make a satisfying abridgment even though Valerie Leonard gives a spirited reading. Leonard's verve carries through all of the material, which is often recapitulated. But because of this repetition between actions, one tends to forget which character is which.The narrator colors the scenes well; however, the suspense of the plot would be heightened by a shortened version. J.P. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 02]