Tim Curry Reads to Me

This week, I drove to Boston, a 4-hour trip. I stopped along the way to see and stay with my friend Sue in East Greenwich where I used to live. Marty had suggested I get a book on CD to listen to on the way. I chose Portobello by Ruth Rendell, read by Tim Curry.

Aside from some technical difficulties, such as repeating chapters and a scratched CD I had to skip half way through, it was a wonderful way to pass the trip. If I were reading the book to you, you'd fall asleep. But Tim Curry is a master, and he thoroughly held my attention. I've read some of Rendell's suspense novels and enjoyed them. She's a very witty writer. She uses Britishisms liberally, which are easy to figure out in context. Portobello is more of a psychological study of characters who range from petty thieves, fervent missionaries, murderers, a schizophrenic and a gentleman addicted to a sugarless candy. The book is rounded out by a handful of normal people living normal lives, except for their connections to the quirky ones.

I don't think I would've enjoyed reading this book as much as I did listening to it. We have a long trip coming up and I think I'll find a book on CD that Marty and I would both enjoy.