THE GRAVEDIGGER'S DAUGHTER

The prolific Oates is not usually at her best with historical novels, and this work is no exception. Over half the book has more exposition than drama, which makes for difficult reading, but it's saved by its short, clipped, and often abruptly ended chapters. Bernadette Dunne has to be somewhat of a quick-change artist as the protagonist moves from lonely and frightened child, to assertive orphan, chambermaid, married but not married woman, battered wife, single mother, fearful woman hiding her identity, namesake of a murdered girl, coy flirt, mother of a child prodigy, mistress, wife of a rich man, and secret-keeper. Luckily for the listener, she does a marvelous job, capturing each emotion the moment it arrives. R.R. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 08]