EMPRESS OF THE SPLENDID SEASON

In a luminous story, Oscar Hijuelos creates the life of Lydia Espana and her family in New York City in the mid-1960's. Rita Moreno perfectly portrays the beautiful Cuban who left her pre-Castro home after conflicts with her proud father, only to replay similar family struggles with her children in their new land of opportunity. Moreno infuses the pace--really, the BEAT--of Lydia's life with a sensual rhythm that highlights all the eloquent detail of the writing. A joy to listen to, Moreno inhabits each character with deft understanding. With Lydia herself, Moreno projects the complex dignity and strength of the story's soul. An entrancing listening choice. R.F.W. © AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/SEP 99]