THE SWALLOWS

This contemporary novel, performed by an ensemble cast, focuses on the #MeToo movement and sexual bullying in a Vermont boarding school. The story is told from the perspectives of four characters: teachers Alex Witt (portrayed by Lisa Flanagan) and Finn Ford (Ari Fliakos) and students Gemma (Abby Elliot) and Norman (Michael Crouch). When new teacher Alex discovers that the boys are cajoling girls into (usually) unwanted sexual encounters, she also learns that the faculty--for a variety of reasons--are turning a blind eye. Alex, however, opts to help the girls stop the harassment. The narrators' performances highlight the emotional reactions of the students and faculty, maintain a sense of foreboding, and create distinctive characterizations. Narrator Johnny Heller also plays a small but memorable role. C.B.L. © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2019]