AT THE EXISTENTIALIST CAFE Freedom, Being, and Apricot Cocktails

Existentialism has long fallen out of vogue, but Bakewell’s lively history of the existentialist philosophers, expertly read by the inimitable Antonia Beamish, may revive a whole school of thought. Certainly, author and narrator make existentialism entertaining—and comprehensible—for what must be the first time ever. Beamish’s rapid shifts from an impeccable British accent to her equally impeccable French accent may jolt the ear a bit at first. But by the time she’s reached Heidegger and the Germans, the listener is well into the mix. Polished, witty, often very funny, this stellar production is a rewarding and pleasurable choice. Even more, it proves to be uncannily relevant to the urgent challenges of our current day. D.A.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine [Published: FEBRUARY 2017]