THE SILENT WIFE

This novel’s structure is reminiscent of last year’s monster hit GONE GIRL and its pleasures are similar. The story alternates between the point of view of Jodi, a quiet, oddly passive psychotherapist, and Todd, the man she has lived with and lovingly catered to for decades. Karen White gives Jodi a pleasant, reserved delivery—almost bland yet compelling—that perfectly suits this rather isolated wronged woman. Donald Corren somehow gives Todd a warm, likable persona, which is essential to the balance, since Todd’s innocent satisfaction with himself in spite of his total betrayal of Jodi and others is otherwise enough to make you long for his head on a pike. Both performances beautifully support these two well-wrought character studies and set up a thoroughly satisfying payoff. B.G. © AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2013]