OPTIC NERVE

Narrator Kyla Garcia provides a bright voice for the unnamed woman, an art gallery tour guide, at the heart of this Argentinian novel. Speaking in the first person, the protagonist finds her extensive knowledge of painting, both current and historical, blending into her own personal experiences. Approaching middle age and battling cancer, she reminisces about significant events in her life, paintings that are meaningful to her, and anecdotes about the artists who painted them. She ponders whether all art is a mirror of ourselves, existing only in the eyes of the viewer. Garcia moves easily from English to Spanish and to French, lending authenticity and intimacy to her narration. As the story moves between real events to art history, Garcia's pace remains steady. J.E.S. © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2019]