Commentary/review

This production may stand as proof that an exceptionally good performance can make difficult text more digestible. The book is probably only for people who had at least a passing interest in philosophy and in mathematics. The topics – incest, emotional predation, suicide, extreme scepticism – are designed to shock the reader. They still mostly fail to do so at this point. To a mentally stable individual they seem silly and irresponsible, the book by itself would probably be left to rot on the shelf. Voice acting saves the situation by making the listener cherish both characters. The silliness of the overthinking can be overlooked. I prefer a disarmed Cormac to the one that would keep me awake at night. This is a good book.

The audiobook is a great testimony to the art of voice acting. The work is minimalistic, consisting of a dialogue (how platonic) and violin music. Both actors have great skill, although obviously Julia Whelan had the harder part.

This cover is very clear and well-made yet I do not enjoy it. It is probably overworked. The tomato red is off-putting.

Cover Photo by Lawrence Krowdeed on Unsplash