THE BEAUTIFUL ONES

P.J. Ochlan narrates a deeply romantic love story, set in a stylized, magical Belle poque. Antonina Beaulieu has come to Loisail to be ushered into society by Valerie Beaulieu, her cousin's wife. Instead, both women become entangled with telekinetic performer Hector Auvrey. Ochlan proves especially adept at bringing both Nina, a somewhat naïve country girl, and Valerie, a brittle and distant society doyenne, to life. The men fair similarly well: A callow young suitor sounds appropriately brash and reckless, and Nina's older cousin sounds jovial and somewhat complacent, while Hector Auvrey comes across as intriguing and intelligent. A variety of strong emotions are displayed by the characters, and Ochlan gives them their due. K.M.P. © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine [Published: FEBRUARY 2018]