A Hero's Journey

Gravy, these past 10 years. Alive, sober, working, loving. By 1988, American short story writer and poet Raymond Carver had beaten back many of his demons, including alcoholism. He was happy and engaged, but he also knew he was dying of lung cancer. With every fiber of his considerable acting talents, John Mahoney ("Frasier") delightfully embodies the voice and iconic style of Carver in this two-person feast about the last year of his life. As Carver's wife, writer Tess Gallagher, newcomer Kelly Nespor provides a vocal counterpoint to Mahoney as they present some of the couple's best-known works. The relationship is touching, the poetry remains fresh and insightful, and the performances are outstanding. A perfect slice of listening. B.P. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine