This remarkable treat for lovers of audio books is as tastefully and elegantly packaged as it is performed by a first-class lineup of narrators. The tone is set by Benjamin Cheever, who reads his father's preface to The Stories of John Cheever
. The 12 selections here are culled from that landmark volume, and, while there is bound to be disappointment that one story or another was not selected, there is nothing disappointing about any of the readings offered here. In fact, they are exceptional, from Streep's perfect portrayal of marital tension and denial in "The Enormous Radio" to Peter Gallagher's zestful take on "O Youth and Beauty!" and Blythe Danner's spot-on tone for the pathetically sad ending of "The Chaste Clarissa." And while it may seem that no one's voice is better suited to read these tales of upper-class strivings and failings than that of Plimpton, it is really Cheever's archived readings that steal the show. His performance of "The Swimmer," in particular, boldly displays his contempt for the country-club set, while still evoking readers' sympathy for the hapless main character. The inclusion of Cheever's readings makes for a deeply personal, resonant finale to a truly superb production. (June)
