THE CURVE OF THE WORLD

Sean Runnette's calm reading of Marcus Stevens's debut novel is superb. Although Runnette's gentle style is unusual, it gives the book a perfect tone. THE CURVE OF THE WORLD chronicles Lewis Burke's struggle for survival following a plane crash in Africa. Rebels seize the plane; Lewis, fearful of execution, escapes into the rain forest, which almost kills him. A young native finds Lewis, obtains medicine, returning him to health and civilization. Meanwhile, Lewis's wife and blind son twice travel to Africa to search for him, while the State Department insists he is dead. This is a marvelous story of survival, love, and hope, and Runnette demonstrates each character's emotions flawlessly. Many narrators use volume for emphasis; Runnette's understated style proves less is more. D.J.S. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 02]