THE SNOW FELL THREE GRAVES DEEP Voices from the Donner Party

A tale of colonialism, murder, and cannibalism might seem sensationalized, but this audiobook-in-verse about the ill-fated 1846 journey of Donner party is grounded by multiple perspectives. Leading the cast is Bahni Turpin, whose smooth performance as the omniscient narrator, Hunger, is all the more chilling for its grim, merciless edge. While other individual voices stand out--particularly the deep brogue of Tim Gerard Reynolds as headstrong James Reed--some of the most affecting moments feature multiple voices. Even the oxen speak up during the rhythmic trudge across the Great Salt Lake Desert. As winter takes its grisly toll, Hunger interjects with ever-growing litanies of the dead, underscored by a windswept chant of the word "snow." Collectively, it's a grim, gripping, and haunting listen. R.A.H. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2021]