AN UNFINISHED LIFE

For prodigal daughter Jean Gilkyson, home is the tiny hamlet of Ishawooa, Wyoming, where her estranged father-in-law stubbornly blames her for the accidental death of his son. Jean’s 10-year old daughter, Griff, has never known she has a grandfather, until abusive boyfriend Roy bashes in the side of Jean’s face and puts mother and daughter on the road home. The two narrators, Tony Amendola and Judith Marx, alternate chapters to reflect the novel’s shifting points of view; what could have been a distraction instead adds layers of nuance as the two hard-worn protagonists are illuminated. This bold choice elevates the story beyond the ordinary. Marx astutely conveys Jean’s evolving love of the ranch, the land, and the old man who stewards them. Both Amendola and Marx do justice to the taut final showdown, heightening the listener’s response. R.O. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 04/ JAN 05]