A WIDOW FOR ONE YEAR

All the elements of the author's oeuvre are present in this new novel: children killed in a tragic accident that their parents view as their own fault; prep school send-ups; a sexual relationship that many would consider inappropriate, if not downright objectionable--all illuminated by the thin light of loss. Nothing is missing but one of Irving's trademark bears. George Guidall's tone perfectly captures the bittersweet fairy-tale quality of Irving's work; Guidall clearly understands that Irving's fictional world is well outside the realm of realism. Especially noteworthy is his portrayal of the passage of time; the characters in this novel age 37 years. Child and adolescent turn middle-aged, adults grow old--in each older character Guidall gives us echoes of the younger character we remember. It's as if Guidall's strong and assured portrayal of these characters gives us aural snapshots for our memory's scrapbook. In this way, we truly come to feel as if we know them. E.K.D. Winner of AUDIOFILE Earphones Award ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/NOV 98]