WOLF IN WHITE VAN

Narrating one's own novel can be tricky, especially if it's a complex work, but John Darnielle does an excellent job. At the start of the book, listeners may not think he's the best fit, but that may be because the story isn't yet fully clear. Darnielle's performance can seem distant at times even though he keeps a steady pace and provides good projection. However, the distance makes much more sense as listeners learn more about the protagonist--a man who, it turns out, has survived a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the face who runs a role-playing game through the mail from the isolation of his small apartment. Darnielle's narration strengthens the emotional complexity of the story, enhancing the listening experience. L.E. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine [Published: FEBRUARY 2015]