ECLIPSE

Alexander Cleave is in search of himself as he returns to his childhood home after a career as an actor. Author John Banville tells Cleave's story in a ceaselessly introspective narrative that might encourage some readers to skim, particularly as the plot is being slowly established early in the story. Unfortunately, audiobook listeners do not have the luxury of skimming over the slow spots. Bill Wallis does his masterful best, using changes of inflection and pace to vary the narration, but this character study is not well suited to audio and risks losing listeners impatient for "something to happen." A.C.S. © AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 01]