THE HIRELING

Stephen Leadbitter, handsome, repressed driver-for-hire, weaves stories of a non-existent personal life for passenger Lady Franklin, a self-absorbed, wealthy, young widow in need of distraction. Both their lives are irrevocably altered when Leadbitter attempts to cross class lines and make his fantasies come true. Stephen Thorne's narration is smooth and nicely paced with just the right touch of foreboding. He breathes life into each character by expertly capturing the nuance of their varied social standings. Thorne's controlled portrayal of Leadbitter's emotional turmoil and final transformation is especially convincing and conveys the novel's somewhat heavy-handed message on the evils of the British class system. J.A. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG 92]