LIVE A LITTLE

Allan Corduner superbly narrates this wryly humorous and deftly observed audiobook featuring two 90-something characters, Beryl and Shimi. Beryl is a challenging woman with a domineering and abrasive manner; she refers to her caregivers as Euphoria and Nastya. Corduner succeeds in depicting all the facets of her complex character, including her severe memory lapses. The gentle Shimi is portrayed in a self-effacing tone that shades his deep shame over a childhood incident. Employing authentic-sounding Eastern European and African accents, Corduner also infuses the caregivers with lively spirits tempered by a strong measure of fortitude. The story requires some patience as Beryl and Shimi don't meet until halfway through the audiobook, but the wait is well rewarded by their late-in-life special friendship. M.J. © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2019]