ALL THE SEAS OF THE WORLD

In a fantasy based on the late-fifteenth-century Mediterranean world, two people with problematic identities find themselves near the center of history-shaping events. Simon Vance tells the story in a confidential tone that is smooth and earnest. He suggests, rather than impersonates, most of the other characters, who also have confused or confusing identities. The story is often told from a distance, as much of the action unfolds in the memories of witnesses and participants. Vance's delivery mirrors this strategy by leaving some of the more dramatic moments relatively quiet but still interesting. In fact, his low-key approach, being more intimate, draws listeners in even more. This is part of a series but works well on its own. D.M.H. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2022]