THE LOWERING DAYS

Brown's debut novel, set in Maine's Penobscot Valley in the 1980s, is performed with a compelling, confident delivery. Narrator David Aaron Baker is the voice of David Almerin Ames, who recalls a community divided when a Penobscot teen set fire to the paper mill on the eve of its reopening, destroying the town's livelihood. Penobscot elder Moses's sonorous, wisdom-filled voice supports and defends the powerless. The anger of Almerin's father, Arnoux, reacting to threats to his family, and the surprise in family friend/rival Liam's voice when he faces the consequences of his actions are visceral, keeping the listener engaged. Narrator Nicole Alvater gives a realistic voice to Molly, the girl who lit the fuse. Altvater contributes significantly with her portrayal, including her smooth delivery of Penobscot words. N.E.M. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2021]