THE MERMAID CHAIR

Narrator Eliza Foss puts the magic in this remarkable work. The soft Southern accents she lends to protagonist Jessie Sullivan and the story’s other characters are perfect for its setting, a South Carolina island. Foss characterizes Jessie’s lover, Thomas, a Benedictine monk, as otherworldly and her husband, Hugh, as solidly grounded. As Foss depicts Jessie’s struggles with her men, her mother, and herself with genuine emotion, her clear, touching narration lets the author’s beautiful imagery shine. The careful listener not only enjoys a marvelous reading of a lovely story but also grows and learns along with Jessie. J.J.B. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/SEP 05]