This
is the audiobook of Glenn Kleier's novel. The work is abridged,
but still lasts six eventful, fascinating hours. The setting is
Jerusalem, New Year's Eve, 1999.
"But
at one second before midnight something incredible happens - a
geological event of staggering proportion, followed by reports
of the "arrival" of a woman with miraculous powers."*
We later
discover that a man whose daughter had been so badly injured that
she became a living "vegetable", had cloned the girl in an attempt
to recreate her. Is the mystery woman a clone that survived the
blast, or is she the messiah as she claims? The story follows
TV correspondent John Feldman's attempts to discover the truth.
The
Last Day is superbly conceived, well thought out, and gripping
throughout. I have to say I have not yet read the book, but will
do so shortly, and will then amend this review to reflect my thoughts
on both versions.
The
reader is Rene Auberjonois,
who performs all the parts except one. Auberjonois is one of the
finest actors around, and an experienced presenter of audioworks.
His reading is magnificent; a multitude of different characters
spring to life whilst we listen. My own favourites were the Italians
and Germans, but all are totally convincing. His reading reflects
emotion, pain, humour (there is a wonderful scene where he plays
two Italians having a difference of opinion - brilliant). The
one other character is played by Carrie Gordon. As you learn the
story, you understand why this is so. I did not know of this actress
before. Her performance is most effective, portraying humour,
compassion, determination, clarity of thought and vision.
The
Last Day is intriguing, entertaining, and thoroughly satisfying.
The
Last Day, read by Rene Auberjonois and Carrie Gordon
From the novel by Glenn Kleier
Time Warner AudioBooks 1997, Price $22
Available on-line from Time
Warner AudioBooks order # 4-32549
Credit:
*Quote from the audiobook cover. |