ORLANDO

Juliet Stevenson brings her usual alacrity to this challenging audiobook. Woolf's unconventional novel is in expert hands with Stevenson, whose rich voice and lilting accent keep the listener on track through the many shifts and changes in the plot. Called a "biography" by Woolf herself, the story follows protagonist Orlando through centuries of change, including Orlando's transformation from a man to a woman. Stevenson is an elegant narrator who navigates the details gracefully. Her pace is consistent, and her emotional investment helps the plot along. The novel itself relies heavily on description, and the sheer mass of detail can become fatiguing to the ear. Devoted listeners might find the audio format perfect, but even Stevenson's fine performance may not be able to capture the casual listener. L.B.F. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2024]