A THOUSAND ACRES

It’s not hard to hear why this Lear-like tale of love, loss, incest and deception set on a family farm won the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Critics Circle Award. C.J. Critt’s versatile voice does justice to all the characters; she eloquently enhances the story through her narration. One can hear bossy defiance in middle sister Rose, snooty condescension in youngest daughter Caroline, and superiority in prodigal neighbor and vegetarian Jess. The story is told from the viewpoint of oldest daughter Ginny, the childless, meek, care-giving member of the family. Critt’s down-home voice makes shivers run up one’s spine as she relates Ginny’s torrid affair and murder plans. D.T.H. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: MAR 97]