BEFORE YOU KNOW KINDNESS

Bohjalian's novel takes on a great deal in its pages: Family turmoil, infidelity, child-rearing, the legal system, drug use, and the body's ability to heal are a few of the challenges faced by the Setons. However, no issue is as complex or as explosive as that of animal rights. When animal-rights activist Spencer is accidentally injured by his brother-in-law's hunting rifle, the listener is exposed to a litany of modern trials and witnesses how a family copes with these problems. Susan Denaker is a skilled, capable reader, and the story is largely compelling. Some sections are slow to develop or quick to lecture, but overall the story is diverting. L.B.F. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 05]