THE YEAR OF THE FARMER

Speaking in a broad Aussie accent, Caroline Lee narrates Ham's story of farming in New South Wales. It's a dry place with limited water that is bound to get scarcer. Water is what the farmers fight for in a "no-holds-barred" war for survival. Each character is presented with a slightly different accent and a distinctive attitude--from the wily Neralie Mackintosh, who left her husband, Mitchell, and, after a five- year absence, returns after purchasing the local pub. Mandy, now with Mitchell, is bored, unhappy, and raring for a fight. Lee's reading is slow and lethargic, perking up for dialogue and emotional scenes, especially when it rains. Lee's performance captures this lethargic, somewhat repetitious story of competition and survival at all costs. M.B.K. © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2019]