Nicholas Guy Smith’s contemplative, melodic narration of Irish icon John Banville’s newest novel suits the playful and ruminative story in which much and little occurs. It begins when a released prisoner, who’s a character from a previous novel, visits a house where he might have lived. He’s welcomed by the owner, who’s the son of another previous character. That character was a mathematician who hypothesized alternative universes. Aha! What occurs—coupling, longing, thievery, snooping, and remembrance—is rich with life, death, and nostalgia. Smith handles the allusive and elusive wordplay with wit and aplomb. His attractive Standard English accent, elegant enunciation, and attentive phrasing keep listeners clear on the action and attuned to Banville’s precept that fiction is about the substance of life. A.C.S. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine

Nicholas Guy Smith’s contemplative, melodic narration of Irish icon John Banville’s newest novel suits the playful and ruminative story in which much and little occurs. It begins when a released prisoner, who’s a character from a previous novel, visits a house where he might have lived. He’s welcomed by the owner, who’s the son of another previous character. That character was a mathematician who hypothesized alternative universes. Aha! What occurs—coupling, longing, thievery, snooping, and remembrance—is rich with life, death, and nostalgia. Smith handles the allusive and elusive wordplay with wit and aplomb. His attractive Standard English accent, elegant enunciation, and attentive phrasing keep listeners clear on the action and attuned to Banville’s precept that fiction is about the substance of life. A.C.S. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine