A PRIZE FOR SISTER CATHERINE

The Albion Priory has seen better times. The older sisters who have guided the life of the community for many years are tired and ill, and ready to pass on control. What ensues is a classic power struggle within the setting of a closed community. The old prioress appoints two very different nuns as temporary leaders--one who believes strongly in the need for economic strength, and the other, who puts her emphasis on spiritual strength and traditional ways. Diana Bishop gives a steady and even reading that makes the most of the subtleties of personality in the text. Both her narrative and characterizations add dimension and depth to the story. She differentiates the large number of minor characters in dialogue without exaggerating their differences and comfortable deals with both dialogue and extensive narration. J.E.M. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 02]