SMALL MERCIES

SMALL MERCIES is a beautifully wrought origami swan of an audiobook—every time you unfold a wing or beak to see how it’s made, you find Bobby, the beloved son/brother/husband who died at the Twin Towers on 9/11. In Scott Aiello’s rich and devastating performance you can hear how different Bobby’s widow is from her new Manhattan beau; it’s in their accents. Here are voices from all walks of New York City life as well as a vivid portrait of place, Staten Island, and an Italian-Irish family—how they love, support, and fail each other; how genes will out; how these decent, flawed people roll with what life deals them. Both novel and performance are full of craft and heart in this outstanding production. B.G. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2015]