THE TRUTH SAYER

Nian, a reluctant apprentice to the House of Truth, is well defined by Tom Lawrence in a soft-spoken narration. He credibly portrays the boy's anguish at being dragged from his farm home to a monastic life, his astonishment at his nascent talents, and his determination to escape, even if it means traveling into another world. Lawrence deftly contrasts the voices of the students and the monks and further excels when Nian is transported to a contemporary household with two teenagers, a feisty grandmother, and a flaky father. Lawrence skillfully makes the most of the drama of the clashing worlds and the humor of the kids' discordant lives. Nian's voice reflects his growing maturity as he masters his role as the Truth Sayer of his world. D.P.D. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2009]