DRUMS OF CHANGE

Aimee Lilly's measured, expressive reading suits the story of Running Fawn, a Blackfoot girl coming to maturity as great changes come to her tribe: the arrival of a Christian missionary, the loss of the buffalo and the move to the reservation. Lilly narrates with strength and dignity, conveying but never overstating the emotions of the characters. Her only weak point is the voices of the women at the mission school, who sound affected. The abridgment has greatly decreased the role of the Christian missionary, making him a minor, undeveloped character, but the story of the young woman and Silver Fox, the chief's son, is worth a listen for fans of simple storytelling. M.A.M. © AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 01]