THIS ROCK

Robert Morgan's novel unfolds like the distinctive musical drawl of its Appalachian characters. As the action develops, each syllable adds to the vivid descriptions of the scenery and people of the Carolina mountains. Two brothers, Muir and Moody, are bound by mutual dislike and disrespect. Their mother plays the role of perennial fence-mender, trying to soothe the strife between the two opposites. Narrators Tom Stechschulte and Sally Darling trade performances as the characters take turns at telling their stories, and the result is interesting and oftentimes painful to hear. Like Morgan's GAP CREEK, this title is a story of family and love and the way sparks can fly when people come together. L.B.F. (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/SEP 03]