ORPHANS OF THE CARNIVAL

Heather Wilds's lovely, lyrical narration of this audiobook makes for a memorable experience, especially when combined with an unconventional story like this one. In this novel, Julia Pastrana is a featured performer in carnivals. Labeled a "freak," Julia makes her way in the world by simultaneously perplexing and enchanting audiences with the unlikely combination of her unusual appearance and her substantial musical talents. Wilds's clear and sophisticated tone offers an elegance and a gentleness that make Julia especially sympathetic to the listener. The age-old idea that humans reveal their lack of humanity when faced with someone different is omnipresent here. There are slow moments and occasional pronunciations and accents that seem a bit off, but ultimately Wilds is successful. L.B.F. © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2016]