THE REEF

Di Morrissey's novel celebrates life as it exists in the Great Barrier Reef. Narrator Kate Hood's voice provides an enthusiastic appreciation for the drama that pervades this audiobook when Jennifer's husband takes her to live on an island even though she is terrified of the ocean. Jennifer finds herself drawn to a research station and its staff at the same time that she discovers her marriage is falling apart. The majority of Hood's performance is quite pretty and highly capable. Occasionally, some voices engaged in conversation sound exaggerated and forced as a result of infusing them with too much drama, but, overall, the vocal development of setting and conflict suit the audiobook. Listeners will be interested in what takes place both above and beneath the surface of THE REEF. L.B.F. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 07]