Searches & Seizures

Three novellas filled with humor and insight by one of America’s modern literary masters.

In Searches & Seizures, Elkin tells the story of the criminal, the lovelorn, and the grieving, each searching desperately for fulfillment - while on the verge of receiving much more than they bargained for. Infused with Elkin's signature wit and richly drawn characters, "The Bailbondsman," "The Making of Ashenden," and "The Condominium" are the creations of a literary virtuoso at the pinnacle of his craft.

©1985 Stanley Elkin (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

a truly subpar reading

If you don't know what Stanley Elkin is getting at before you start, this won't be enjoyable. If you're looking for a clear story line with delineated parts this won't meet your need. I might have been able to appreciate Elkin's trademark language and humor had I chosen to read this in a traditional format, but as it was this recording is very hard to listen to and very unprofessional. the narrators often stop and start again in the middle of sentences, their voice mimicking skills are nill, and they have no sense of flow, rhythm, or cadence of language utterly undermining everything Elkin achieves in his landmark work. While I recognize Elkin's contribution to American literature of the 20th century I can't recommend this recording to anyone either his devotees or otherwise. I'm glad it's over.