S'Mother

July 25, 2011
This odd collection of letters written to Adam Chester by his mother, Joan, will likely entice anyone whose parents are on the eccentric side. Adam highlights some of the most curious letters his mother has sent him, accompanying each piece of correspondence with biting commentary. Some of the letters are amusing, others are tender, many are bizarre. As a narrator, his zeal and mockery of his mother feels excessive and makes listening an uncomfortable experience. As a preface to almost every letter, he disparages Joan. Then she, in her flat and raspy voice, reads the offending letter. The decision to use actual mother and son as co-narrators may have seemed endearing, but listening proves more depressing than entertaining. An Abrams Image hardcover.