THE BEST OF ENEMIES

Here's a good example of an audio production being superior in every way to its print source. Smith's novel about a student accused of an act of terrorism is clumsily written, with many dead spots and some truly awkward dialogue. Luckily, the abridgment smooths out most of the story's rough spots, and Rosenblat's excellent performance breathes life into this lifeless story. Although it does sound, at times, as though Rosenblat is struggling with the material (especially the dialogue), she turns many scenes that were dull in the book into riveting drama. D.P. © AudioFile 2000, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC/JAN 01]