PLAIN TRUTH

The talented Jodi Picoult is at her best in this story of tradition and secrecy, set among the Amish. The mysterious birth and subsequent death of a baby in the midst of this close-knit community clashes with the modern world of police investigation. Philadelphia attorney Ellie Hathaway defends the young woman accused of smothering the child. As usual, Picoult has created engaging and complicated characters, portrayed well by both Christina Moore and Suzanne Toren. Musical and whispery, the voices of the Amish women take some getting used to, but the voice of Ellie is right on target and contrasts well with the voices of the other characters. This production certainly does Picoult's riveting story justice. B.H. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 08]