BAYOU STORIES

This collection of nine short stories takes the listener back to nineteenth-century Louisiana. Universal themes of love and death are intertwined with the issues of slavery and racism. Each story, steeped in the religious and social culture of the bayou, holds an unexpected turn or two. The surprise conclusion to "Désirée's Baby" provides a defining moment for those who believe that audio is mightier than the printed page. Jacquelin Kinlow's reading is rich and melodic. Thankfully, she only uses French and Creole accents in dialogue; although charming and appropriate, they are difficult to understand. J.J.B. (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 03]