SING YOU HOME

Music is an apt accompaniment to a story about a music therapist who finds herself falling in love with a woman after her husband leaves her. The songs, written by Picoult and Ellen Wilber, who performs them, are placed at relevant points in the heartbreaking story. Thérèse Plummer performs the women’s roles with pure expressions of joy, anger, and grief. Picoult also has a talent for male internal dialogue, which is performed superbly by Brian Hutchinson as husband Max. Max’s point of view smoothly shifts the story's perspective with ironic guy talk that hints at both his manly feelings and profound vulnerabilities. Picoult conveys her characters' transformations with her signature grace and empathy while shining a harsh spotlight on intolerance. A bittersweet and riveting listening experience. A.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2011]