A WILD AND HEAVENLY PLACE

Narrators Angus King, Katy Townsend, and Tavia Gilbert excel at telling this powerful story. In 1878 Scotland, Samuel saves Hailey's brother, sparking a secret romance despite their class differences. When Hailey's father's financial downfall forces her family to emigrate to Seattle, Samuel sets off to find her. Against the backdrop of Washington Territory, their story illustrates the era's survival challenges. King gives Samuel's story a heartfelt cadence, while Townsend infuses Hailey's narrative with passion. Her portrayal of Mrs. MacIntyre is vivid and almost shrill, adding depth to the character, and her rendition of James is equally nuanced. Gilbert relays the author's note, elucidating the historical accuracy of the novel's events and describing Oliveira's creative process. S.K.G. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2024]