A CLOUD OF OUTRAGEOUS BLUE

Ell Potter takes the listener back to the mid-fourteenth century as she narrates the story of young Edyth Le Sherman. Edyth is a peasant whose life is turned upside down when her father is killed, her mother and newborn sister die, and her older brother sends her off to a priory. Potter narrates smoothly, giving all the characters unique voices. She strongly portrays Edyth's wide range of emotions as she processes her losses, her synesthesia and visions, and the arrival of the Plague. The atmosphere created is one of intrigue that mixes religion, superstition, and science. Medieval musical interludes between some chapters add to the ambiance, as do Latin phrases and songs interspersed throughout the story. The author's note, read by Vesper Stamper herself, adds fascinating historical context. N.E.M. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2020]