THE WORLD WITHOUT US

The parallels between humans and bees are abundant in this elegantly performed audiobook. Therefore, it's fitting that the theme contrasts the lush abundance of nature and the frightening voids imposed by humans. Set in Australia, the novel shimmers, thanks to Jennifer Vuletic's narration. Her gorgeous voice and vivid accent propel listeners into the complexities of the story's community. At its heart is Evangeline and her origins at The Hive, a questionable commune whose destruction by fire echoes the ecological horrors creeping into the area. Vuletic's performance gains too much speed at times, with the listener hurrying to absorb the copious descriptions, but overall this is a good book, beautifully performed. L.B.F. © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine [Published: FEBRUARY 2016]