AGNES AT THE END OF THE WORLD

Brittany Pressley holds listeners' attention as she narrates the spiritual, apocalyptic, and strangely pertinent story of Agnes, who breaks free of the oppressive cult she grew up in only to find a world in crisis over a pandemic. Viewpoints alternate between Agnes and her younger sister, Beth. Pressley does an excellent job balancing Agnes's humble and curious yet passionate voice with Beth's more dissatisfied, insecure one. Pressley also is excellent at pacing; although the plot unfolds somewhat slowly, she sustains listeners' attention with the palpable confusion and emotion that all the characters experience in a time of great change. This unique story eerily echoes aspects of our COVID-19 moment, and Pressley's narration adds to its captivating atmosphere. E.J.S. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2020]