SAD GIRLS

Shiromi Arserio's performance of this audiobook offers a kind of energy and enthusiasm the novel itself lacks. It's not like the book has no drama--there's a death mourned, a secret established, and a forbidden relationship launched, all within the first few minutes. But the action stalls shortly after, and the result is stultifying. Arserio has an appealing voice, and her depiction of all the characters reflects her investment in telling the story. Scenes, though, are limited to magnified detail of the smallest development, leaving listeners to search for relevance. Patient listeners may be intrigued enough to put their faith in Arserio's voice and the slowly developing drama of the story. L.B.F. © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine [Published: FEBRUARY 2018]