THE PEOPLE'S ACT OF LOVE

Cannibalism, castration, and cults dominate this dark novel set in 1919 Siberia. Tying the various groups together is Anna Petrovna, a young mother looking for a place to belong, yet finding only heartache. Gordon Griffin captures the tone of the text impeccably while imparting a sense of identity to each character. His low, stern voice lightens considerably when portraying Anna or her young son, and hardens to steel for the convict Samarin. Griffin's demeanor softens when speaking in the voice of any member of the cult of castrates, in the way that one imagines such a man would lose his edge. His grim stoicism fits the dreary story perfectly. R.L.L. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/ JUL 06]