DIVISADERO

This aptly titled novel presents a fascinating series of character portraits of kind, well-intentioned people who expand the borders of family to include those orphaned and in need. Yet despite their honorable motivations, something always goes awry. Lush descriptions of people and landscapes quickly draw listeners in, although Ondaatje's flitting back and forth between characters combined with Hope Davis's narration, which remains the same throughout, sometimes makes it difficult to keep the voices straight. Listeners remain absorbed for more than half the novel, then begin to realize Ondaatje might be spreading himself too thin. While neat resolution is beside the point, characters we first identified with have been crowded out by less interesting voices, and even these are left hanging as the exit music begins. R.R. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 07]