THE HOUSE OF SCORTA

Daniel Oreskes has a commanding presence. He has the voice of a peasant, a frightened child, a rogue, a formidable priest, a conciliatory priest. There is a rough dignity in his voice, which is precisely what the story of a family of Italian peasants calls for. Author Laurent Gaude traces the family from its ignoble roots in the mid-nineteenth century, when a brigand, newly released from jail, rapes the wrong woman, starting a family that will have to fight for respect in a town near Naples. The author's equal is the sweet-voiced Barbara Caruso, who plays the role of the elderly family matriarch who recounts the story. Both the writing and the performance are rich and vibrant. This is a work of wonder. M.S. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/ JUL 06]