THE FERRYMAN

Narrated by Scott Brick and Suzanne Freeman, this mind-bending novel is a complex contemplation of society. Cronin's masterful world-building is showcased, as well. The utopian island of Prospera hosts privileged residents until their embedded health monitor falls below 10% and they are ferried to the Nursery island to be physically reconstituted and returned as freshly erased 16-year-olds. Proctor Bennett ferries citizens to the Nursery until his world unravels when he discovers the disturbing truth behind Prospera. This lengthy novel presents a multitude of plot twists. The imaginative writing will keep listeners guessing, but the circuitous plot hinders the pace. Though Brick's emotional portrayal of Bennett borders on melodramatic, Freeman and Brick's skillful delivery of the narrative steers listeners through this intricate work. M.M.W. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2023]