SISTERSONG

Narrator Robyn Holdaway's talent for voicing distinct characters full of personality shines in this audiobook retelling of the English murder ballad "The Twa Sisters." As the King of Dumnonia embraces Christianity, the threat of invading Saxons grows. Sister Riva is blessed with healing magic but can't heal her own psychological scars. Sister Sinne's developing magic skills further her dreams of adventure and romance. The sisters fall in love with the same man. As the tension rises, Holdaway perfectly captures each sibling's alternating perspective by modulating tone and inflection, even going as far as creating distinct singing voices. When the eponymous ballad is sung near the end of the production, its lyrics are layered with the tormented thoughts of the murder victim. A truly heartbreaking listening experience. A.K.R. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2021]