THE UNBECOMING OF MARGARET WOLF

Saskia Maarleveld gives an impressive performance of this audiobook, set in the 1950s theater worlds of New York City and New Mexico. Maarleveld splendidly portrays the unsettled persona of Margaret Wolf, who flees a difficult life to follow her dream of becoming a Shakespearean actress. Maarleveld skillfully balances Margaret's histrionic tendencies with the sadness she experiences in her personal and professional lives, especially when she marries Wesley, a closeted gay actor. The two join a production in New Mexico, where each begins a sexual relationship with a magnetic costume designer named Felix. Maarleveld evokes the atmosphere of the theater and conveys a time in which conformity was the norm. Those who enjoy a psychological bent to their stories will appreciate Maarleveld's polished performance. M.J. © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2025]