BUFFALO SOLDIER

As in previous novels, Chris Bohjalian explores a complicated web of family relationships. Terry and Laura Sheldon's twin daughters were drowned in a flash flood, and now less than two years later, though still grieving, they have brought Alfred, an African-American foster child, into their rural Vermont home. Alison Fraser leads listeners through this adept exploration of non-traditional family issues. Her voice is very light and seems occasionally too cheerful to convey Terry's, a state trooper, seriousness or the tensions of the couple's marriage. More variety in her vocal portraits would help listeners empathize with Alfred's loneliness. Yet, Fraser reflects the author's light touch and is faithful in that respect to Bohjalian's narrative voice. R.F.W. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/JUL 02]