THE EXIT FACILITY

Konstantina Braoudaki unforgettably conjures a Scottish near-future dystopia. Listeners meet partially sighted Elaine, who is gutsy, endearing, and desperate that her daughter inherit her modest home. One day in the mail she receives yet another overdue bill--and an interesting flyer from an "exit facility." The facility offers people humane assisted suicide, perfect for Elaine. Once there, she encounters hopeless homeless and dying people who revel in her kindness. But after observing several suspicious incidents, Elaine begins to question the ethics of the institution. She enlists fellow residents--gruff, sarcastic Joe and soft-spoken, intelligent Hamish--in her investigation. Vivid descriptions of the setting, genteel Miss Latimer--Braoudaki's best creation--and a growing eeriness are compelling. The surprising conclusion caps off a disturbing yet pleasurable listening experience. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2022]