THE WORLD OF PONDSIDE

George Newbern delivers this quirky novel in an engaging, welcoming manner, encouraging listeners to put everything else aside and pay attention. Pondside Manor is a care facility for the elderly. Robert, a computer scientist and resident who suffers from ALS, creates an immersive video game through which residents can enjoy life with deceased loved ones or manage otherwise impossible things within the game's parameters. Newbern smoothly handles the many varied characters, shifting from cantankerous and curmudgeonly to rational and helpful tones. After Robert is found dead in the nearby pond and the game is no longer available to residents, Foster, a young, compassionate kitchen worker, sets out to discover what happened to Robert and to restore the game. While this sad, funny story isn't always believable, Newbern's performance is delightful. S.J.H. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2022]