BRIDGE TO WISEMAN'S COVE

Dino Marnika tells this coming-of-age story with a powerful voice and an Australian accent that is melodious and easy to listen to. The Australian speech has slight variations in the pronunciation of some common words, but Marnika's careful enunciation makes the meanings clear. He employs rhythm, tonal differences, and accents to differentiate the characters in dialogue. The character of Karl Matt is especially well drawn, growing from a timid victim to a responsible care-giver over the course of the story. Abandoned first by his mother, then by his older sister, Karl takes on responsibility for his young, troublesome brother, Harley. Marnika's voice is an eloquent instrument that brings this story alive. N.E.M. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 06]