THE DARK BRIDE

To learn more about an exotic legendary prostitute named Sayonara, a journalist interviews the residents of a village on the edge of the Colombian rain forest. Alyssa Bresnahan's lush tones are as rich and dreamy as the sense of magic permeating this work. She delivers a Sayonara who enjoys her work but fails to heed the working girl's first rule: Never fall in love with a client. Bresnahan's performance brings passion and vitality to characters, offering special clarity to the old Colombian madam, Todos los Santos, Sayonara's adopted mother. With remarkable vocal dexterity Bresnahan draws a clear portrait of Sayonara's lovesick suitors. Restrepo's prose is elegant, lyrical, and sensual, but the florid descriptions sometimes feel forced and the characters, a little too colorful. Still, this is entertaining listening, flaws and all. S.J.H. (c) AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 05]