PAINT THE WIND

Orphaned, Maya has lived most of her life feeling like a captive in the rule-bound house of her grandmother. Denied friendship, family, and stories about the mother and father she can barely remember, she learns at her grandmother’s death that she has a Wyoming family longing to meet her. Kathleen McInerney’s portrayal of 11-year-old Maya embraces the tensions that come from being put in the position of being overly concerned about the reactions of others. Interspersed are sections that follow the life of Artemesia, a wild mustang mare. In these parts McInerney’s voice is stronger as the mare questions the dominant stallion and protects her foal. It’s no surprise when the horse and child meet, and McInerney’s narration measures Maya’s increasing self-confidence and joy. S.W. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 08]