THE MEMORY PALACE

Most mothers call their adult children occasionally, sometimes with requests for grandchildren. Bartók’s mom, a schizophrenic pianist who ended up homeless, phoned up to 30 times daily, with warnings for her daughter about the dangers of backpacks and pending Nazi attacks. Hillary Huber’s melodic voice and crystal-clear diction provide a strong framework for this memoir of a chaotic life. As Bartók builds her palace of remembrances, Huber’s steady and calming tones provide the mortar that binds listeners to the heartbreaking story. Drawing on her brilliant mother’s journals and the science of understanding memory, Bartók recounts agonizing years of fear and difficult decisions. Huber’s straightforward narration is punctuated with notes of pain as Bartók’s mother rants. Fascinating portrayals of Bartók’s European friends provide balance and relief. Few listeners will leave this palace dry-eyed. J.J.B. © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine [Published: FEBRUARY 2011]