THE BEST OF KATHERINE MANSFIELD

The interpretations of the five narrators who perform this collection of Mansfield's short stories, while varied, share a common understanding of her ironic approach to storytelling. They provide a helpful throughline to the twentieth-century New Zealand-born author's wonderful writing. Beginning with a not-to-be-missed introduction written and read by writer and audiobook director Alison Belle Bews, the collection demonstrates Mansfield's wit, keen observational skill, and ear for dialogue. Gabrielle de Cuir brings expressiveness and warmth; Stephan Rudnicki, resonance and timing; Justine Eyre, pacing and a quavering Kiwi intonation; and Nan McNamara, a sweet yet bracing delivery that aligns with Mansfield's oblique takes on the world. Examining men and women, old and young with equal accuracy and dispassion, Mansfield's writings are a gift that is well served in this multi-voice narration. A.C.S. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2023]