SUCH KINDNESS

Tom Lowe is broke, rudderless, and approaching toxic levels of bitterness as this audiobook opens. Once he proudly defined himself as a devoted husband, father, and carpenter; now, following an accident, he can't define himself at all. Dubus works narrative magic here. Without giving too much away, know that Tom's story is ultimately a satisfying one and Dubus navigates that transformation admirably. His heavy cadence captures Tom's despair in the audiobook's early chapters, and somehow--through both words and vocal nuances--he expertly depicts Tom's growth. As Tom's outlook brightens, Dubus's voice quietly lightens. Dubus artfully delivers dialogue, humor, sorrow, and Tom's personal meditations with depth and alacrity. The characters are all three-dimensional, and the pacing is steady, creating an outstanding performance of an excellent story. L.B.F. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2023]