THE WOMAN WHO LOST HER SOUL

The audio version of this well-reviewed author's latest book falls harshly on the ears. Robert Blumenfeld's narration has the intonation of a news broadcaster, an approach that seems at odds with a literary volume. That choice, plus his rapid pace and nasal timbre, isolates the listener from the text, particularly if one prefers more melodic narrations for novels. Perhaps the choices are driven by the largely male cast of characters featured in the story, as well as its focus on war. Overall, the narration has a brisk and businesslike tone, and is read at a consistent pitch that makes it difficult to differentiate one scene from another. The words wash over the listener, and, given how lengthy this volume is, one may be tempted to stop listening. M.R. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2014]