CAPE GRIMM

Cape Grimm, on the coast of Tasmania, is much like Australia--gigantic, dramatic (maybe even melodramatic), and unusual. On his thirty-third birthday, prophet Caleb Mean destroys his entire community except for Virginia and their baby. Bird weaves history, religion, language, science, literature, and folklore into this riveting saga. Dual narrators Humphrey Bower and Nicki Paull capture the voices, accents, and emotions of countless generations, cultures, and personalities. Bowers's gorgeous singing adds romance and authenticity; Paull skillfully portrays Virginia's sudden recovery from muteness. The occasional recipes and concluding glossary add verisimilitude to this almost unbelievable epic. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/NOV 05]