The Child in Time

Though its subject matter concerns the disappearance of a child, McEwan's novel is intensely interior, concerning itself with the aftermath of this shattering event on the little girl's father, Stephen Lewis. The novel, perhaps McEwan's most tender, explores the rending caused by grievous loss and the possibility for restoration. It is no less a mediation on the nature of childhood and on time itself. Simon Prebble's performance is subtle and nuanced, portraying both the intellectualism of Lewis, the author of acclaimed children's novels, and the profound desperation and sorrow that have overwhelmed him. Prebble's reading is measured and undemonstrative--and more intense for it. M.O. (c) AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine

Top British writers have a knack with language that fills this colonial with awe. Ian McEwan is one of these. Top British readers bring that knack to life. Nathaniel Parker is one. Here we have exquisite prose, exquisitely read. There's a caveat, though. This is two, two, two books in one. It's a novel and also a study in science and philosophy. This necessarily slows the action, which is built around a single heart-wrenching incident. Stephen, a children's book writer, looks up from the super-market checkout and discovers that Kate, his five-year-old daughter, is gone. Vanished. B.H.C. (c) AudioFile 2000, Portland, Maine