Samaritan

By: Richard Price

Narrated by: Richard Allen

Ray Mitchell, a former TV writer who has left Hollywood under a cloud, returns to urban Dempsy, New Jersey, hoping to make a difference in the lives of his struggling neighbors. Instead, his very public and emotionally suspect generosity gets him beaten nearly to death. Ray refuses to name his assailant, which makes him intensely interesting to Detective Nerese Ammons, a friend from childhood, who now sets out to unlock the secret of his reticence. Set against the intensely realized backdrop of urban America, the cat and mouse game that unfolds is both morally complex and utterly gripping.©2003 Richard Price; (P)2003 Books on Tape, Inc.

Compelling & honest

Every character is nuanced to contrast the stereotypes. His dialogues are uncanny, direct and intrinsic towards character development. This is a snapshot of life in emotional confusion and realism. Though the narration isn't quite as great as in "Lush Life" the story is still worth the listen.

loved it.

a beautiful, interconnected novel about doing the right thing. performance was fine after I got used to the narrator.

Oral Tradition

Price is a great spinner of urban yarns, and this is a captivating rendition of authentic sounding characters as they bang into one another, tragically, yes, but with poignancy, beauty, and wit. Price's images are a joy to hear but effortless enough to lift the story, not drag it down with too much poetry. Price's mastery of POV packs his tale with both insight and surprise.

another fix for Wire fans

As noted in a review for Lush Life, Wire fans will recognize themes and richly drawn, nuanced characters (even names are recycled - Omar, Butchie) from the two novels available on audible.com. Both are narrated beautifully, and I thought Samaritan was even better than Lush Life.

Complexities

While trying to "help" is Ray really just a narcissist? Is he looking to "feel good" at the expense of others, even his own daughter? What lengths will a person go to trying to prove to at least themselves their honest intentions?