LOVE ANTHONY

Author Lisa Genova obviously intended characters Beth and Olivia to be connected. Heartbroken after she finds out her husband is having an affair, Beth finds herself writing about a young, autistic boy. Olivia struggles with how to communicate with and care for her autistic son, Anthony, up until his fatal seizure. Actress Debra Messing strips down Olivia’s frustration and confusion as the parent of an autistic child who wonders if Anthony understands the love she has for him. The serendipity between Beth and Olivia, which may seem too forced in print, becomes believable and vivid in Messing’s narration. Further, her best portrayal is the character of Anthony, whose viewpoints, feelings, and unique understanding she projects with empathy. D.Z. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2012]